Mukul Roy, a founding member and once the second-most powerful leader in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after Mamata Banerjee, defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in November 2017. The Hindu
At the time of his switch, Roy was under investigation in two major West Bengal corruption scandals — the Narada sting operation (2014) and the Saradha chit fund scam.
Why This Is a “Gem”
- Defection and Probe Trajectory: After joining the BJP, Mukul Roy became one of the party’s most vocal faces against the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal. Critics pointed out that central agencies like the CBI and ED appeared to soften their approach in cases involving him once he aligned with the ruling party at the Centre.
- Narada Sting Case: The 2014 Narada sting operation captured several TMC leaders allegedly accepting cash on camera. While some TMC leaders were arrested by the CBI in 2021, the CBI stated in May 2021 that it had found “nothing so far” against Mukul Roy. NDTV | The Tribune
- Saradha Chit Fund Scam: Mukul Roy was named in connection with the massive Saradha chit fund scam that defrauded lakhs of investors. He was questioned by the CBI in 2015, and Saradha promoter Sudipta Sen later alleged payments to Roy. NDTV | Hindustan Times
- Selective Enforcement Pattern: While Roy was in TMC, central agencies (CBI and ED) pursued cases against him aggressively. After he joined the BJP in 2017, the pace of several investigations slowed down noticeably. Following his return to TMC in 2021, fresh activity and summons resumed in some cases.
This pattern of cases gaining or losing momentum based on political allegiance has raised serious concerns about the independence and impartiality of central investigating agencies. In November 2025, the Calcutta High Court disqualified Roy as MLA under the anti-defection law for switching from BJP to TMC. The Supreme Court stayed the order in January 2026. The Hindu
The Real Impact
The Mukul Roy case has had a damaging effect on public trust in India’s democratic institutions:
- It deepens political polarisation in West Bengal, where voters increasingly believe that justice is selective and influenced by power rather than merit.
- It reinforces the perception that corruption cases can be paused or activated depending on a leader’s political loyalty rather than evidence or rule of law.
- It contributes to the growing belief that joining the ruling party at the Centre provides a form of “protection” from central agencies (CBI, ED, IT).
- It weakens the credibility of anti-corruption bodies, making people cynical about the entire investigative process.
Ordinary citizens and smaller politicians see this as a clear message: “Join the right party and your cases may disappear.”
Broader Pattern Under BJP Rule
Mukul Roy’s case fits into a recurring pattern observed since 2014, where several opposition leaders facing serious CBI/ED probes have received relief, slowed investigations, or clean chits after joining the BJP or its alliances. While the BJP projects itself as anti-corruption, critics argue that central agencies have been selectively aggressive against opposition figures and lenient towards those who align with the ruling dispensation.
Gems of BJP documents such cases to create a permanent, evidence-based public record. Our goal is not to oppose any political party, but to highlight instances where policies, decisions, or actions appear to undermine fairness, due process, equal protection, and institutional integrity for Indian citizens.
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