Koel Mallick Joins BJP, Named Rajya Sabha Candidate

Bengali actor Koel Mallick has returned to the political spotlight after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and being named the party’s candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in West Bengal. The by-election is scheduled for October 16.

Mallick formally joined the BJP at the party’s state headquarters in Kolkata on Monday (October 5), a day after the BJP announced her nomination for the Upper House seat. She subsequently filed her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha election.

Speaking about her return to Parliament, Mallick described the opportunity to become a member of the Upper House as a major responsibility. She said she sees public service as an important responsibility and believes Parliament can provide a wider platform to work for people.

Explaining her decision to join the BJP, Mallick said she wanted an opportunity to serve people and participate in development-related work. She also said she did not want to speak negatively about other political parties and preferred to highlight the positive aspects of her own political platform.

Mallick had previously entered the Rajya Sabha as a TMC nominee and took oath on April 6. However, she resigned from the Upper House on July 16, only a few months into her tenure. The BJP has now nominated her for the by-election to the seat she vacated.

Her political switch has drawn criticism from TMC figures. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh questioned the move, while Mallick said she was not angry with those criticising her and did not want to respond to negativity with more negativity.

Attention is now focused on Mallick’s political role and her attempt to return to the Rajya Sabha as a BJP candidate. The October 16 by-election will determine the outcome.