TMC Unveils Candidates for Upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections
TMC's Strategic Move for Rajya Sabha Elections
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has made a significant move ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. On Friday evening, the party officially announced the names of four candidates, which include former Union Minister and singer-politician Babul Supriyo, former West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, senior Supreme Court advocate Menaka Guruswamy, and popular Bengali actress Koyel Mallik.
In a post on their official X handle, TMC expressed, “We are delighted to announce the candidacies of Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar (former DGP of West Bengal), Menaka Guruswamy, and Koyel Mallik for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to them.”
Candidate Profiles and Backgrounds
Candidate Profiles and Backgrounds:
- Babul Supriyo: A former BJP leader and Union Minister, Babul Supriyo joined TMC in 2021. He currently serves as the IT Minister in the Bengal government and is an MLA from Ballygunge. His experience and eloquence are expected to benefit the party.
- Rajeev Kumar: A retired IPS officer, Rajeev Kumar recently concluded his service in January 2026. Known to be close to Mamata Banerjee, his administrative experience is anticipated to provide a strong voice for Bengal's issues in the Rajya Sabha.
- Menaka Guruswamy: A senior advocate at the Supreme Court, she played a pivotal role in challenging Section 377. Her nomination reflects a focus on legal expertise and social justice issues.
- Koyel Mallik: A renowned actress in Bengali cinema, her popularity is seen as a strategy to enhance the party's appeal among the youth and cultural demographics.
Mamata's 'Plan Bengal'
Mamata's 'Plan Bengal':
This strategy, termed 'Plan Bengal' by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, aims to strengthen the party's representation in the Rajya Sabha by integrating diverse figures from politics, administration, law, and entertainment. Currently, TMC holds a few seats in the Rajya Sabha, and with these four candidates, the party aims to increase its strength to 17.
The Election Commission has scheduled voting for a total of 37 Rajya Sabha seats across several states, including West Bengal, on March 16. TMC's candidate list is viewed as a symbol of diversity and balance, although the BJP has criticized some candidates as 'non-Bengali.'
This decision could stir new dynamics in Bengal's political landscape, as the party presents a unique blend of administrative experience, legal expertise, cultural appeal, and political acumen.
Detailed Candidate Insights
- Babul Supriyo
- Former Union Minister (in BJP government) and singer.
- Joined TMC in September 2021 after leaving BJP.
- Currently serves as the IT and Electronics Minister in West Bengal.
- MLA from Ballygunge.
- Known for his political experience and eloquence, his nomination brings a seasoned face to the party.
- Rajeev Kumar
- Former IPS officer and ex-DGP of West Bengal.
- Also served as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police.
- Retired in January 2026.
- Considered very close to Mamata Banerjee, known for his involvement in high-profile cases.
- His nomination conveys administrative expertise and loyalty to the party.
- Menaka Guruswamy
- Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court.
- Prominent lawyer in the Section 377 case, which decriminalized homosexuality.
- An outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
- If elected, she could become India's first openly LGBTQ+ MP.
- Represents legal expertise, social justice, and diversity.
- Koyel Mallik
- Popular actress in the Bengali film industry (Tollywood).
- Has starred in several hit films, widely recognized among youth and cultural circles.
- Her nomination reflects a strategy to strengthen the party's appeal among the youth and the Bengali cinema voter base.
TMC's Strategic Candidate Selection
TMC's Strategic Candidate Selection:
The selection of these candidates is part of TMC's broader strategy to incorporate diverse faces from politics, administration, law, and entertainment. The party aims to amplify its voice on Bengal's issues in the Rajya Sabha. This mix is seen as a representation of 'diversity, resistance, and civil rights.'
Despite the BJP's criticism of some candidates as 'non-Bengali,' TMC is presenting this as an inclusive image of Bengal.
This decision could ignite new debates in Bengal's political arena, especially with the 2026 assembly elections on the horizon.