Actor-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Koel Mallick on Thursday resigned from her Rajya Sabha membership. Her name, which was still listed on the Rajya Sabha’s official website as of Wednesday afternoon, was removed by Thursday morning, confirming her exit from Parliament.
The sudden resignation has triggered strong indications that the popular actress and TMC leader is set to join the BJP. Fuelling speculation, Koel was seen at the New Delhi residence of Bhupendra Yadav, who is also the BJP’s central observer for West Bengal. Photographs of the meeting quickly surfaced, suggesting that her formal induction into the BJP could be imminent.
For the past few days, political circles in the state had been abuzz with speculation about growing distance between the TMC and one of its prominent star MPs. Many observers had pointed to Koel, daughter of veteran actor Ranjit Mallick, as the likely figure.
Sources indicated that discussions between Koel and BJP leadership had been underway for some time, but her recent travel abroad delayed the formal resignation process. Her move is being seen as a significant development, given the Mallick family’s longstanding reputation and influence in the Bengali film industry.
Political analysts believe that Koel’s departure could deal a blow to the TMC, particularly at a time when sections of actors have been under scrutiny over alleged links to corruption cases. Her perceived clean image, they suggest, could bolster the BJP’s appeal in the state.
Koel now joins a list of former Trinamool MPs who resigned from the Rajya Sabha in recent times, including Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik. Elections to those vacant seats were held soon after, with BJP candidates reportedly winning unopposed.
According to sources, Koel is expected to formally join the BJP in the coming days. The party is likely to field her as its candidate for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat following her resignation, further intensifying the political contest in West Bengal.
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