Senior Congress leader and long-time Pradesh Congress Committee member Pradip Roy, aged 74, passed away on Thursday night at his residence in Durgapur Ratiya, Kalyanpur. Roy, who had been battling age-related ailments, breathed his last at around 10:30 p.m. His family rushed him to Kalyanpur Hospital, but he was declared dead. His mortal remains were brought back home around 2:30 a.m., where relatives, neighbours, and party workers began gathering to pay their respects.
The news of his demise sent shockwaves across political circles, uniting leaders from different parties in grief. On Friday morning, Kalyanpur MLA Pinaki Das Choudhury visited Roy’s residence to offer condolences to the bereaved family. Expressing deep sorrow, Choudhury recalled Roy’s contributions to the region’s political struggle. “Pradip Kumar Roy was one of the prominent leaders of the anti-Left movement. His sudden demise is deeply saddening. Just last Tuesday, I visited him and found him in normal health. This unexpected loss is truly painful,” he said.
Later in the afternoon, the MLA again joined the family during the last rites, offering prayers for the departed soul and extending support to the grieving relatives.
Throughout the day, several Congress leaders and workers arrived to pay homage. Among them were Kartik Debnath, Block Congress president Prashanta Deb, and numerous party members who had worked closely with Roy during his decades-long political journey. Former District Congress president Bikram Kishore Sinha described Roy as “a rare leader in today’s times – honest, loyal, and deeply committed to the party,” highlighting the respect he commanded within the organisation.
Pradip Roy’s political life spanned several decades, during which he was known for his unwavering dedication to Congress ideology and grassroots activism. He was widely regarded as a disciplined organiser, a principled leader, and an important figure in shaping the anti-Left political movement in Kalyanpur and its adjoining areas.
His passing marks the end of an era in Kalyanpur politics. For many, Roy was not just a party veteran but a mentor who guided younger workers with patience and conviction. His absence leaves a significant void in the Congress’s local leadership and among those who admired him for his integrity and steadfast commitment.
As the community mourns, Pradip Roy’s legacy lives on through the values he upheld and the political struggles he helped shape over the years. His contributions will be remembered with respect and gratitude by colleagues, supporters, and the people of Kalyanpur.
