Kolkata12 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
Actor Koel Mallick has fuelled speculation over her political future after meeting Union Environment Minister and the BJP’s central observer for West Bengal, Bhupender Yadav, shortly after resigning from the Rajya Sabha.
Meeting sparks BJP switch speculation immediately
Koel was seen at Yadav’s residence on Motilal Nehru Road in New Delhi, with photographs of the meeting surfacing soon after her resignation. The development has intensified speculation that the Tollywood actor is set to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the coming days.
Delhi meeting intensifies political buzz further
For the past several days, political circles in West Bengal had been abuzz with reports that another Trinamool Congress (TMC) star MP was distancing herself from the ruling party. Many believed the person in question was Koel Mallick, daughter of veteran actor Ranjit Mallick.
Rumours surrounded Koel for several days
According to sources, Koel’s resignation was delayed because she was abroad, although discussions with the BJP leadership had reportedly taken place much earlier. Political observers believe her move could be a setback for the Trinamool Congress, given the Mallick family’s longstanding reputation and clean public image in the Bengali film industry.
Possible switch may boost BJP outreach
Some analysts also believe Koel’s possible switch to the BJP could strengthen the party’s outreach in West Bengal, particularly at a time when sections of the Bengali film industry have been embroiled in corruption-related controversies.
Fourth TMC Rajya Sabha resignation recorded
Koel would become the fourth Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP to resign from the Upper House. Earlier, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik had stepped down from the Rajya Sabha. Elections to those vacant seats were held within a month, with BJP candidates reportedly set to be elected unopposed.
Sources further claimed that after formally resigning from the Trinamool Congress, Koel is expected to join the BJP, following which the party may nominate her for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat.
