TMC MP Koel Mallick Resigns From Rajya Sabha, Meets Bhupender Yadav

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP and popular Tollywood actress Koel Mallick has resigned from her position, marking another significant setback for party chief Mamata Banerjee. This development has sent ripples through the political landscape of West Bengal, especially given the timing of her departure. Following her resignation from the upper house of Parliament, Koel Mallick met with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, a move that has sparked intense speculation in political circles regarding her future course of action.

Meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav

The meeting between Koel Mallick and Bhupender Yadav took place shortly after she tendered her resignation. While the official reason for this meeting has not been disclosed, it has led to various theories about a potential shift in her political allegiance. This meeting is being closely watched as it comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is already grappling with internal challenges and a changing political dynamic in its home state of West Bengal, while the interaction with a senior BJP leader has added fuel to the ongoing political discussions in the region.

Zero Attendance in Parliamentary Sessions

One of the most notable aspects of Koel Mallick's tenure as a Rajya Sabha member was her complete absence from parliamentary proceedings. Despite being a member of the house, she didn't attend a single session of Parliament, while this lack of participation had already been a point of discussion before her eventual resignation. Her stint as a parliamentarian remained largely inactive in terms of legislative contributions, which has now culminated in her stepping down from the post. This absence from the house has been highlighted as a significant factor in the narrative surrounding her political career.

Timeline of Rajya Sabha Tenure

Koel Mallick, also known as Rukmini Mallick, was announced as the Trinamool Congress candidate for the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections from West Bengal on February 27, 2026. Following the announcement, the elections were held on March 16, 2026, where she emerged victorious. She officially took her oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 6, 2026. Her entry into politics as a celebrated actress from the Tollywood film industry was initially seen as a strategic move by the TMC to benefit from her popularity, but her early exit has now raised several questions about the party's selection process and the commitment of its celebrity representatives.

Political Shift in West Bengal

The resignation comes against the backdrop of a major political upheaval in West Bengal. This year's assembly elections proved to be a massive blow for the Trinamool Congress, which had held power in the state for approximately 15 years. The party suffered a crushing defeat, managing to secure only 80 seats. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a historic victory by winning 208 seats, allowing them to form the government in West Bengal for the first time. This shift in power has fundamentally altered the political landscape of the state.

Internal Crisis and Rebellion within TMC

Following the election results, the Trinamool Congress faced a severe internal crisis, while in June 2026, about a month after the results were declared, a rebellion broke out within the party organization. This led to a split in the party, with the organization dividing into two factions. Numerous MLAs and MPs decided to distance themselves from Mamata Banerjee and formed a separate group, further complicating the situation for the party leadership. Koel Mallick's resignation is seen as another chapter in this ongoing period of instability for the TMC, as the party struggles to maintain its cohesion in the face of electoral defeat and internal dissent.