Mukul Roy, a significant figure in West Bengal politics, played a crucial role in both TMC and BJP, and is still valued by both parties despite his political shifts.
Mukul Roy, often likened to the political strategist Chanakya, has been a pivotal player in West Bengal politics, contributing to the rise of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and laying the groundwork for the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) expansion in the region. His efforts in ousting the Left Front from power were essential to TMC's establishment, and later, his strategies helped BJP secure 18 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal during the 2019 general elections. Roy’s dual allegiance to both parties underscores his political expertise and adaptability.
Despite a temporary rift caused by his involvement in corruption scandals and the shifting political landscape, Roy's loyalty to Mamata Banerjee remained evident, particularly when he returned to TMC after a brief stint with BJP where he felt diminished in stature following the induction of Shuvendu Adhikari. His return to TMC has reestablished his relevance in the party, with Banerjee welcoming him back wholeheartedly, reflecting the ongoing complexities of alliances in Bengal's political milieu.
At the age of 71, Mukul Roy's contributions are being reassessed as West Bengal approaches future elections, and both TMC and BJP recognize the importance of his experience and network. His influence in Bengal's political theatre illustrates the depth of political maneuvering and the sometimes fluid affiliations that characterize regional politics, hinting at his lasting legacy in shaping contemporary governance in West Bengal.
