Kolkata, Oct 1 (NationPress) Banamali Roy, the former West Bengal minister responsible for forests during the Left Front's previous administration, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 85.

According to his family, the late minister had been grappling with various age-related health issues for an extended period. In addition to his role as the state's forest minister, Roy served as a five-time CPI(M) legislator representing the Dhupguri constituency in Jalpaiguri district from 1977 to 1996.

For a short time, Roy also held the position of minister for the state’s backward class welfare and tribal development department, which has since been renamed the state tribal development department.

After his ministerial career, he continued to contribute as the Zilla Parishad president for Jalpaiguri district. He also occupied significant organizational roles within the CPI(M), including serving as the party’s zonal secretary.

Upon learning of his passing, local Left Front leaders visited Roy's residence in Gadong. CPI(M)’s Jalpaiguri district secretary, Piyush Mishra, expressed heartfelt condolences, as did another former CPI(M) legislator from Dhupguri, Mamata Roy.

The chairman of the Left Front in West Bengal, Biman Basu, also extended his sympathies regarding Roy's demise.

Colleagues from his era remembered Roy as a dedicated grassroots leader who maintained regular communication with the voters of the Dhupguri Assembly constituency throughout his tenure, where he was elected five times without ever facing defeat.

As Zilla Parishad president, Roy exhibited the same commitment to his duties. A true organizational leader, he kept in touch with party workers at all levels.

Banamali Roy was a committed communist, who adhered to the party’s directives, accepting various assignments with unwavering dedication, as recalled by veteran CPI(M) leaders from his district.