Yet another blow to TMC as Rajya Sabha MP Koel Mallick resigns; likely to join BJP

NEW DELHI: In a setback for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Rajya Sabha MP and Bengali actress Koel Mallick (Rukmini Mallick) has resigned from the Upper House of Parliament. Koel Mallick, a popular Bengali film actress and an active party worker, had been chosen for the Rajya Sabha seat that became vacant before the Assembly elections. Her sudden resignation has surprised many party workers and supporters.

She submitted her resignation letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan. In her letter, she thanked the Deputy Chairman and officials of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat for their support and cooperation during her tenure as an MP.

Soon after stepping down, reports emerged that Koel Mallick met Union Minister and senior BJP leader Bhupender Yadav at his residence in New Delhi. The meeting has triggered speculation that she may be preparing to join the BJP. The development has become a major talking point in West Bengal politics. Earlier, former TMC MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik had also resigned from the party and later joined the BJP.