Trinamool Congress Stuns with Unexpected Rajya Sabha Nominations
In a move that has sent shockwaves through political circles, the Trinamool Congress on Friday unveiled a surprising list of nominees for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 16. The party has selected former Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar, senior Supreme Court advocate Menaka Guruswamy, renowned actor Koel Mullick, and Bengal's Information Technology Minister Babul Supriyo for the prestigious Upper House positions.
Strategic Replacements and Political Calculations
The four nominees will fill the vacancies left by outgoing members Subrata Bakshi, Saket Gokhale, Ritabrata Banerjee, and Mausam Noor, the latter having recently returned to the Congress party. While Bakshi had expressed a desire to be relieved from his Rajya Sabha duties, many political observers had anticipated that Gokhale and Banerjee, who served partial terms, would be renominated. However, the party leadership had different strategic plans.
Ritabrata Banerjee is now expected to receive a ticket for the upcoming assembly elections, indicating a reshuffling of political responsibilities within the party structure. In an official statement posted on social media platform X, Trinamool Congress declared, "We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to them. May they continue to uphold Trinamool's enduring legacy of resilience and its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every Indian."
The Fifth Vacancy and Electoral Mathematics
A fifth Rajya Sabha vacancy from Bengal, created by the departure of Communist Party of India (Marxist) member and senior advocate Bikash Bhattacharya, will be filled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has yet to announce its candidate for this position.
Given the current composition of the Bengal Legislative Assembly, a candidate requires approximately 49 first-preference votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat. The Trinamool Congress commands 215 members, bolstered by an additional 12 BJP legislators who have joined its ranks. The BJP itself holds 64 assembly seats. This numerical advantage makes the election of the Trinamool nominees virtually certain, unless a sixth candidate emerges from either party to force a competitive election.
Profiles of the Surprise Nominees
Rajeev Kumar: A computer science graduate from Roorkee, the former DGP has been a controversial figure in Bengal politics since the Left Front era. His decision to enter politics has astonished many observers. While Indian Police Service (IPS) officers transitioning to politics is not unprecedented in Bengal, Kumar marks a historic first as a former DGP contesting Rajya Sabha elections on a ruling party ticket mere months after retirement. The Bengal government had sought an extension for his service when he retired on May 31, but the central government denied this request.
Menaka Guruswamy: This prominent Supreme Court lawyer has represented Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Bengal government in numerous high-profile cases. Her legal expertise proved crucial in navigating complex legal challenges, beginning with the RG Kar rape-murder case in August 2024. With the state government engaged in multiple legal battles against central agencies and the Union government in the Supreme Court, Guruswamy has become an indispensable legal strategist for both the administration and the party. She has personally represented CM Banerjee and Rajeev Kumar in both the Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court.
Koel Mullick: A household name across Bengal as the daughter of veteran actor Ranjit Mullick, the actor's nomination represents a significant departure from her family's traditional avoidance of active politics. Party insiders reveal that Chief Minister Banerjee holds particular affection for Mullick, which likely influenced this unexpected political appointment.
Babul Supriyo: The state IT minister has earned praise from CM Banerjee for his performance in office. However, there was widespread speculation within party circles that he would not seek re-election from the Ballygunge assembly constituency in 2026. Senior party members indicate that Supriyo was also reluctant to contest from any other assembly seat, making his nomination to the Rajya Sabha a logical solution to retain his political presence.
Breaking from Tradition
While Trinamool Congress has previously nominated non-political figures to the Rajya Sabha, Friday's announcement—particularly the selections of Kumar, Guruswamy, and Mullick—caught even seasoned party veterans by surprise. The move demonstrates the party's willingness to think beyond conventional political boundaries and incorporate diverse professional expertise into its parliamentary representation.
The nominations reflect a strategic blend of administrative experience, legal acumen, popular appeal, and ministerial capability, suggesting a calculated approach to strengthening the party's presence in the Upper House ahead of crucial political battles.
