Kolkata, 23 February (H.S.):

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Kunal Ghosh shared an emotional and autobiographical post on the social media platform X on Monday, reflecting on the passing of veteran politician Mukul Roy. In his statement, Ghosh candidly recounted his long political association with Mukul Roy, his differences, the pain of betrayal, and personal memories.

Ghosh wrote that he had known Mukul Roy for a long time—first as a journalist and later as a political colleague. He acknowledged that Mukul Roy was once one of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's most trusted and loyal associates and one of the key leaders who held Trinamool Bhavan together during the party's difficult times.

According to Ghosh, Mukul Roy devoted time to party workers and stood as a strong pillar for Mamata Banerjee during Trinamool Congress's crisis. He said that Mukul Roy had a deep understanding of Bengal's politics and society.

However, their relationship soured over time. In his post, Kunal Ghosh alleged that Mukul Roy tried to harm him due to political misunderstandings and mistrust. He stated that Mukul Roy disrespected his trust and tried to eliminate him politically.

Kunal Ghosh also stated that when Mukul Roy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he repeatedly tried to persuade him to join the party. He wrote that Mukul Roy visited his home several times and tried to convince those close to him, but he decided not to leave the party and chose to prove himself by staying in the Trinamool Congress.

In the post, Kunal Ghosh admitted that after Mukul Roy fell ill, he continued to pray for his recovery. He also mentioned staying in touch with and meeting Mukul Roy's son, Subhrangshu Roy. Kunal Ghosh expressed his deepest condolences to Subhrangshu and the entire family.

Kunal Ghosh clarified that despite personal resentment and accusations, he does not deny Mukul Roy's political acumen. He wrote that Mukul Roy was a skilled political activist and that many personal moments spent with him will always remain etched in his memory—whether it was conversations in Delhi before he became a Union Minister or long discussions on cold nights in Kalimpong.

Concluding his statement, Kunal Ghosh stated that in his opinion, Mukul Roy's leaving the Trinamool Congress was a major political mistake. He wrote that Mukul Roy was a prominent figure in the Trinamool Congress, but lost his respect and importance in the complex politics of defection.

Kunal Ghosh said that at the time of Mukul Roy's passing, he wanted some good memories of his life to remain in people's minds, while the rest of the political evaluation should be left to the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey