Kolkata: Renowned Bengali film actress Koel Mallick joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, just a day after the party announced her as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election.
Koel Mallick, daughter of veteran Bengali actor Ranjit Mallick, previously served as a Rajya Sabha MP on a Trinamool Congress (TMC) ticket. However, she resigned from her post some time ago. At a press conference held at the BJP headquarters, she said it was a great honor for her to have the opportunity to serve the people as a member of the Upper House of Parliament.
Voting for a total of 12 Rajya Sabha seats in three states—Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal—is scheduled for October 16.
West Bengal: A by-election is being held for a vacant Rajya Sabha seat, for which the BJP has fielded Koel Mallick.
Uttarakhand: The party has fielded senior grassroots leader Dinesh Arya as its candidate.
Uttar Pradesh: Elections are scheduled to be held for 10 seats, the highest number among the three states, leading to heightened political activity.
The BJP holds a strong position in the West Bengal Assembly, and Koel Mallick’s decision to join the party, along with her candidacy, has generated considerable buzz in the state’s political circles. The results of these elections, scheduled for October 16, are considered significant for both national politics and regional political dynamics.
