Actor-turned-politician Koel Mallick's sudden resignation from the Rajya Sabha after a mere three-month tenure has sent ripples through the Trinamool Congress (TMC). This development, coupled with her immediate meeting with a senior BJP leader, fuels intense speculation about her political future and a potential shift in allegiance.
Mallick's Resignation Details
Mallick, whose legal name is Rukmini Mallick, formally submitted her resignation to Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, effective immediately. She expressed gratitude for the cooperation during her brief time as an MP, having taken her oath on April 6. Notably, she did not attend any House proceedings during her short tenure.
Meeting Sparks Speculation
Just hours after her resignation became public, Koel Mallick was seen meeting Union Minister and prominent BJP leader Bhupender Yadav at his Delhi residence. This high-profile meeting has ignited widespread speculation that Mallick may soon join the Bharatiya Janata Party, a move that would further weaken the TMC.
Wider Exodus from TMC
Mallick's departure marks a significant setback for the Trinamool Congress, particularly following its recent defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. She is the fourth TMC Rajya Sabha MP to resign in the aftermath of the polls. Earlier, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik had also quit the party, subsequently joining the BJP and receiving nominations for the Rajya Sabha seats they vacated.
Shrinking TMC Presence
The Trinamool Congress's parliamentary strength has been significantly eroded by these defections. With Koel Mallick's resignation, the party is now left with only nine members in the Rajya Sabha. Beyond the Upper House, the TMC faces a broader internal crisis, with twenty of its twenty-eight Lok Sabha MPs reportedly switching to the Nationalist Citizens Party of India and aligning with the NDA. A faction of 60 MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly has also rebelled, claiming to represent the "real" Trinamool Congress.
Political Significance of the Resignation
This wave of resignations, including Koel Mallick's, comes at a crucial juncture for the BJP. The ruling party is actively working to secure a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. Such a majority is deemed vital for passing the government's proposed Constitutional amendment Bill, which aims to implement the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies before introducing 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. An earlier attempt to pass this legislation in April had failed.
About Koel Mallick
A celebrated figure in Bengali cinema, Koel Mallick is the daughter of veteran actors Ranjit Mallick and Deepa Mallick. She has received numerous accolades for her performances, including Filmfare Awards Bangla and the Mahanayak Samman from the West Bengal government in 2023. Her transition into politics and subsequent swift departure from the Rajya Sabha underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of Indian political alliances.