TMC Unveils Rajya Sabha Candidate List, Featuring Babul Supriyo and Koel Mallick
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has officially announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, selecting four nominees including former Union Minister Babul Supriyo and acclaimed actress Koel Mallick. This strategic move marks a significant shift in the party's representation in the Upper House of Parliament.
Retiring MPs Not Renominated, Including Mausam Noor
In a notable development, none of the four Trinamool MPs whose terms are concluding have been renominated for another stint in the Rajya Sabha. Among them is Mausam Noor, who has recently joined the Congress party, signaling a departure from the TMC fold. The other retiring members are Subrata Bakshi, the party's General Secretary, along with Ritabrata Banerjee and Saket Gokhale. All three are set to retire next month, concluding their current parliamentary terms without immediate reappointment.
The decision to exclude these outgoing MPs underscores the TMC's intent to refresh its legislative team and potentially realign its political strategy ahead of future electoral challenges. This move has sparked discussions within political circles regarding the party's internal dynamics and its approach to Upper House representation.
Details of the New Nominees
The TMC's candidate list for the Rajya Sabha polls includes:
- Babul Supriyo: A former BJP member and Union Minister who switched allegiance to the TMC, bringing experience in central governance.
- Koel Mallick: A prominent figure in Bengali cinema, whose nomination aims to leverage her popularity and connect with cultural and youth demographics.
- Two other candidates whose names are part of the four-person slate, though specific details beyond Supriyo and Mallick are not fully disclosed in the initial announcement.
This selection reflects the TMC's broader strategy to blend political veterans with influential personalities from other fields, enhancing its appeal and outreach in West Bengal and beyond. The inclusion of Supriyo, in particular, highlights the party's efforts to consolidate support from diverse political backgrounds.
Implications for TMC and West Bengal Politics
The nomination of Babul Supriyo and Koel Mallick is expected to have several implications:
- Political Realignment: Supriyo's move from BJP to TMC and now his Rajya Sabha candidacy signifies ongoing shifts in West Bengal's political landscape, potentially attracting cross-party support.
- Cultural Outreach: Mallick's entry into politics through the Rajya Sabha could help the TMC strengthen its ties with the entertainment industry and engage younger voters.
- Internal Party Dynamics: The exclusion of retiring MPs like Subrata Bakshi and Ritabrata Banerjee may indicate internal evaluations or strategic changes within the TMC leadership.
As the Rajya Sabha elections approach, all eyes will be on how these nominations play out in the voting process and their impact on the TMC's parliamentary strength. The party's ability to secure these seats will be crucial for its legislative agenda and influence in national politics.
Reported by Shemin Joy, with last updates on 27 February 2026 at 17:04 IST.
