Koel Mallick, a prominent figure in the Bengali film industry and former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha member, has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move was confirmed across several major news outlets including India Today, NDTV, and The Times of India on October 5, 2026, indicating her candidacy for the upcoming West Bengal Rajya Sabha bypoll scheduled for October 16, 2026. Mallick's induction into the BJP was reported as taking place on the morning of October 5, following a previous announcement where the party selected her as their candidate on October 4, 2026. [1]
This marks a significant political maneuver as Mallick resigned her Rajya Sabha seat on July 16, 2026, and now seeks re-entry into the Upper House. The West Bengal bypoll arose from that very vacancy, providing a timely opportunity for her return. Both NDTV and The Times of India noted that this move directly aligns with the upcoming electoral contest. [2]
The timeline surrounding Mallick's political shift is well-documented: the BJP's selection occurred on October 4, an announcement made clear on October 5. Reports indicate that the nomination for the Rajya Sabha position, vacated earlier by Mallick, is set to close on October 6, with scrutiny taking place a day later. Polling is expected to occur on October 16, which adds urgency to Mallick's nomination filing process. [3]
There has been some inconsistency concerning the spelling of Mallick's name in various reports. While most outlets refer to her as Koel Mallick, others mention her full name as Rukmini Mallick. This variation does not appear to point to different individuals but rather highlights the difference in nomenclature among media sources. [1]
As the news solidifies, the established facts are clear: Koel Mallick resigned from her position in the Rajya Sabha on July 16, 2026, the bypoll is set for October 16, and Mallick has now aligned herself with the BJP, gearing up for the electoral challenge ahead. While details about any statements made during her induction were not confirmed, the overall reporting provides a comprehensive view of her political journey thus far. [2]
Sources
- [1] Actor Koel Mallick Joins BJP, Gets Rajya Sabha Nomination Following Trinamool Defeat - India Today
- [2] Koel quits, Didi asks defectors to go before July 21 | Kolkata News - The Times of India
- [3] BJP nominates Koel for Rajya Sabha | Kolkata News - The Times of India
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