BJP nominates former Trinamool MP Koel Mallick to Rajya Sabha
The BJP has nominated Koel Mallick, a former Trinamool Congress MP, to the Rajya Sabha following her resignation from her previous party. This move has sparked internal debate within the BJP regarding the integration of former political opponents.
Why it matters
This highlights shifting political alliances in West Bengal and the strategic expansion tactics of the BJP in the Indian parliament.
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday (October 4, 2026) nominated former Trinamool Congress MP Rukmini Mallick alias Koel Mallick to Rajya Sabha.
Ms. Mallick was elected to the Upper House by Trinamool Congress in April this year. On July 16, 2026, the actor turned politician submitted her resignation to Vice President and chairman of the Upper House C. P. Radhakrishnan.
She is the fourth Trinamool Congress MP who has been nominated to Rajya Sabha by the BJP, after resigning from the Upper House.
Elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats are scheduled on October 16.
On July 9, 2026, the BJP had nominated three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MPs Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik to the Upper House of Parliament, hours after the three former MPs joined the BJP in Kolkata.
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