Political Turmoil for TMC as Rukmini Mallik Resigns from Rajya Sabha

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces significant political challenges as Rukmini Mallik resigns from the Rajya Sabha, following the departure of three MPs to the BJP. This shift occurs just before the monsoon session of Parliament, raising questions about TMC's future in the upper house. With the BJP gaining momentum in West Bengal, the political landscape is shifting rapidly. Mallik's resignation and the subsequent nominations of former TMC leaders to the BJP highlight the ongoing turmoil within the party. As the political dynamics evolve, the implications for TMC and its leadership remain to be seen.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 15:07 IST

TMC Faces Another Setback

On Thursday, Mamata Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), experienced another political blow when actress-turned-politician Rukmini Mallik, known professionally as Koel Mallik, resigned from the Rajya Sabha. This resignation follows the earlier departures of three TMC MPs who left their seats to join the BJP. Mallik's resignation comes just as the monsoon session of Parliament is about to commence.

Impact on TMC's Rajya Sabha Representation

With Mallik's exit, the number of TMC MPs in the Rajya Sabha has decreased to nine. Previously, three BJP candidates—Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraiak—submitted their nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-elections from West Bengal on Monday. Voting for these seats is scheduled for July 24. According to officials, the three leaders filed their nominations before the election officer in the West Bengal Assembly. Prior to this, Chief Minister Sukhendu Adhikari held a meeting with BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya and the three candidates in his assembly office.

Vacancies Created by Resignations

These three Rajya Sabha seats became vacant after Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraiak resigned from their positions and left the TMC. They departed from the party following its defeat in the assembly elections. Now, they are poised to return to Parliament under the BJP banner about a month later. The trio joined the BJP on July 9, and shortly thereafter, the party announced them as candidates for the Rajya Sabha by-elections from West Bengal. This marks a significant moment following the BJP's victory in the assembly elections, as former TMC leaders are being welcomed into the party.

Political Dynamics and Future Prospects

This development is seen as a sign that the informal ban on TMC leaders joining the BJP post-elections may not apply to those deemed politically reliable and free from corruption allegations. In a conversation with reporters after filing her nomination, Sushmita Dev expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership and party legislators for their trust. She mentioned feeling a familial bond within the BJP and noted that Sukhendu Adhikari advised her to actively participate in debates in the Rajya Sabha and coordinate with party legislators. Although born in Silchar, Assam, she emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the interests of West Bengal.

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