In a significant political development, actor Koel Mallick has resigned from her position as a Rajya Sabha member, dealing a fresh blow to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the upper house of Parliament. Her departure reduces the TMC's strength in the Rajya Sabha to just nine members, further weakening the party's representation in the chamber ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Resignation Accepted
The Rajya Sabha Secretariat confirmed on Thursday that Mallick's resignation has been accepted with immediate effect. The actor, who was elected to the upper house in 2022, cited personal reasons for her decision. However, political analysts view this as a strategic move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, with Mallick possibly eyeing a more active role in state politics.
Impact on TMC's Upper House Strength
The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has been facing a series of setbacks in the Rajya Sabha over the past year. With Mallick's exit, the party now has only nine members in the 245-member house, down from its peak of 13. This reduction limits the party's ability to influence legislation and parliamentary proceedings, especially on issues critical to West Bengal.
Political observers note that the TMC's dwindling numbers in the Rajya Sabha could embolden opposition parties, particularly the BJP, which has been aggressively targeting the TMC's governance record. The resignation also comes at a time when the party is gearing up for the 2026 Lok Sabha elections, where it hopes to regain lost ground.
Mallick's Political Journey
Koel Mallick, a well-known face in Bengali cinema, entered politics in 2021 when she joined the TMC. She was subsequently nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2022, a move seen as part of the party's effort to bring in celebrities to bolster its image. During her tenure, she was relatively low-profile, rarely participating in debates or raising issues in the house.
Her resignation has sparked speculation about her future political plans. Some reports suggest she may contest the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, while others believe she might be considering a return to her acting career. The TMC has not yet announced a replacement for her seat.
Reactions from Political Circles
The BJP was quick to seize on the development, with state party spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya stating, 'This is yet another sign of the crumbling morale within the TMC. Mamata Banerjee's leadership is failing, and even her close allies are jumping ship.' The TMC, however, downplayed the resignation, calling it a routine matter. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, 'Koel Mallick had personal reasons for resigning. The party respects her decision and will announce a new candidate soon.'
Meanwhile, political analysts are watching closely to see if more resignations follow, as the TMC faces internal dissent and a strong challenge from the BJP in the state. The party's strength in the Rajya Sabha is expected to further decrease as some members are set to retire in the coming months without immediate replacements.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the TMC's reduced presence in the Rajya Sabha could hamper its ability to push key bills and resist central government initiatives. Mamata Banerjee, who has been vocal against the BJP-led central government, will need to rely on allies and other opposition parties to advance her agenda. The resignation of Koel Mallick highlights the ongoing political churn in West Bengal and sets the stage for a fiercely contested electoral battle.
