Popular Bengali actor Rukmini Mallick, better known by her screen name Koel Mallick, has made another major move in her political journey. The actor joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on October 5 and subsequently filed her nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election in West Bengal.
The development comes just months after Mallick resigned as a Rajya Sabha member representing the Trinamool Congress (TMC). She is now set to contest for the same Upper House seat as the BJP candidate. The West Bengal Rajya Sabha by-election is scheduled for October 16.
From TMC MP to BJP Candidate
Koel Mallick’s political journey has moved rapidly in 2026. The actor was nominated by the TMC for a Rajya Sabha seat earlier this year and took oath as a member of Parliament on April 6.
However, her stint in the Upper House was short-lived. Mallick resigned from the Rajya Sabha on July 16, leaving the seat vacant. The resignation came after the TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
On October 4, the BJP announced Mallick as its candidate for the resulting by-election. A day later, she formally joined the party and filed her nomination papers.
What Koel Mallick Said After Joining BJP
Speaking after joining the BJP, Mallick said she felt honoured by the responsibility and expressed her desire to work for the people.
She also spoke about development in West Bengal and said that she wanted to contribute to the state’s progress. According to reports, she described public welfare as the reason she entered politics and said she would be happy if she could make a difference in people’s lives.
Her remarks came shortly after the BJP announced her candidature, putting her political transition at the centre of attention in West Bengal.
Why Her Rajya Sabha Nomination Is Significant
The nomination is notable because Mallick is now seeking to return to the same parliamentary chamber from which she resigned only a few months ago.
The West Bengal election is a by-election to fill the vacancy created by her resignation. The Election Commission has scheduled the poll for October 16, alongside other Rajya Sabha elections taking place this month.
If elected, Mallick would return to Parliament, this time as a BJP representative.
Koel Mallick’s Film Career
Before entering politics, Koel Mallick established herself as one of the prominent stars of Bengali cinema. Born Rukmini Mallick, she is the daughter of veteran Bengali actor Ranjit Mallick.
She has worked extensively in Bengali films and built a substantial audience over the years. Her transition from cinema to politics follows a path taken by several Indian film personalities who have entered public life.
Unlike a conventional political career spanning decades, however, Mallick’s journey has moved quickly—from a film star to a TMC-nominated Rajya Sabha member, then resignation, and now a BJP candidate for the same parliamentary seat.
Political Switch Draws Attention
Mallick’s move from the TMC to the BJP has naturally attracted political reactions. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh criticised her switch and described it as a change in political loyalties. Mallick, however, has said she does not want to speak negatively about anyone and has maintained that her focus is on serving people.
The actor has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for her decision to leave the TMC and subsequently join the BJP. Her political transition therefore continues to generate considerable discussion.
From Bengali Cinema to the Rajya Sabha Race
Koel Mallick’s latest move marks a significant transformation in her public career. Once primarily known for her work in Bengali cinema, she is now firmly in the political spotlight.
With her nomination papers filed and the October 16 election approaching, the focus will now shift to the Rajya Sabha contest and whether Mallick can secure a return to the Upper House.
For the actor-turned-politician, the coming weeks could define the next chapter of a political journey that has changed dramatically within just a few months.
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