West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, Mamata Banerjee, has announced four candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections: Dr. Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar, Menka Goswami, and actress Koel Mallick. This move is set to fortify TMC's hold on Rajya Sabha seats. But why did Mamata Di specifically choose these individuals? Are they merely means to elevate the party's vote count, or is there a deeper strategy at play?
Rajya Sabha seats in politics hold significant weight as they come with a long six-year tenure and serve as a channel to exert greater influence at the center. Presently, TMC holds 13 seats in Rajya Sabha, and with the addition of these four, the count will rise to 17, further amplifying the party's political clout.
Mamata Banerjee strategically linked each name with different regions, classes, and identities. By including Dr. Babul Supriyo—a former BJP leader—not only has she reinforced assembly seats, but also attempted to attract some of BJP's staunch supporters into her fold. Names like Rajeev Kumar and Menka Goswami reflect the experienced and balanced faces of the party, while energetic new faces like Koel Mallick bring fresh energy and identity to the party.
Babul Supriyo: Bridging the Hindu Voter Base?
The most talked-about name is Babul Supriyo. The erstwhile Central Minister and a noted BJP artist, Supriyo, joined Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 2021. Previously a leading face for BJP, he lost the election from Asimandini in the 2021 West Bengal assembly polls. Despite this, Mamata Banerjee decided to send him to Rajya Sabha, seen as a significant political signal.
Source: aajtak
Babul Supriyo is deeply entrenched as a prominent Hindu figure, known as a popular Bhojpuri singer and a devotee of Ram. TMC needed a robust Hindu face to attract nearly 70% of Bengal’s Hindu population against BJP’s Hindutva agenda. In 2021, TMC managed to secure a significant portion of Hindu votes, and the presence of figures like Babul helps shed the 'anti-Hindu' label.
Read More: From Glamour to Parliament, Who is Koel Mallick... Given Rajya Sabha Ticket by Mamata
Babul Supriyo's former ministerial role in the Modi government is a significant asset, as his connections in Delhi's political corridors can effectively highlight Bengal's critical issues—like flood control, industrial development, and employment. However, accusations of attacks on TMC workers against Babul have surfaced, leading to controversies.
Mamata Banerjee is taking this risk because Babul's popularity among the youth and his Bollywood connections would aid in TMC's expansion.
Rajeev Kumar: The Icon of Bengali Intellectualism
Rajeev Kumar is a former IPS officer known for his proximity to West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He is one of TMC’s key strategists and plays a crucial role in managing the party's organizational tasks. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha is viewed as a ‘loyalist reward,’ but more importantly, he is popular among Bengali intellectuals and the educated class. His soft image and understanding make him an influential figure in society.
Recently, Rajeev Kumar was back in the spotlight due to ED's search and seizure operations. In January 2026, during the investigation into the alleged illegal coal scam by I-PAC (TMC's political consultancy firm) in Kolkata, attacks on the ED team occurred. Allegations were made that Rajeev Kumar mobilized TMC workers to encircle ED officers. Incidents of stone-pelting and vehicle vandalism were reported at various locations, exemplifying the clash between the central and state governments. The BJP termed the incident as 'state-sponsored violence,' while TMC labeled it 'central intimidation.'
Source: aajtak
Rajeev Kumar's police background becomes more critical in this controversy, as he orchestrates TMC's well-planned advocacy against CBI and other central investigative bureau overreach. As a Rajya Sabha member, Rajeev will emphasize providing solutions for Bengal's development, education, and healthcare and opposing any misuse of central agencies. The intellectual voter base is vital in Bengal's politics, and TMC needs to strengthen this segment before the 2026 assembly elections. Figures like Rajeev Kumar boost the 'Bengali pride' message for the party.
Menka Goswami: The Face of Women's Empowerment
Menka Goswami, a TMC MLA from Jadavpur, is a social activist and a staunch advocate for women's rights. Her nomination to the Rajya Sabha under Mamata Banerjee's 'women empowerment' strategy symbolizes the party's commitment to empowering women.
In the 2021 assembly elections, TMC fielded over 40 female candidates, indicating that the party promotes female leadership. Figures like Menka will significantly contribute to TMC's feminist image.
In West Bengal, the women's vote bank consisting of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) is substantial. Menka Goswami is linked to these communities, enhancing her popularity and political impact. Upon reaching Rajya Sabha, she is expected to actively advocate for the women's reservation bill, domestic violence issues, and other social injustices against women. Her efforts will amplify women's voices in parliament.
Koel Mallick: From Silver Screen to Politics
Bollywood and Bengal's film industry's renowned actress, Koel Mallick, carved a niche with movies like 'Hasee Toh Phasee’. Her deep ties to Bengal's cinema industry position her uniquely in both Tollywood and Bollywood. Her glamorous yet simple image further endears her to audiences.
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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strategically sending Koel Mallick to Rajya Sabha is perceived as a clever political move aimed at targeting young cinema-loving voters. Bengal's strong fan base for both Tollywood and Bollywood can fully leverage Koel's star power. She will not only draw large crowds at political rallies but also effectively voice cultural issues.
Source: aajtak
However, questions are being raised about whether an actress possesses adequate qualifications for Rajya Sabha. Mamata Banerjee has previously faced similar criticisms, such as when Soovan Chatterjee was sent to Rajya Sabha. Nevertheless, this strategy could be a crucial tool to appeal to the young voter segment.
