Trinamool Announces Star-Studded Rajya Sabha Line-Up: Guruswamy, Supriyo Lead Picks
TMC nominates senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, minister Babul Supriyo among four for Rajya Sabha.
The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections on February 27, 2026, nominating four prominent figures: senior Supreme Court advocate Menaka Guruswamy, state minister and former Union Minister Babul Supriyo, former West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, and Tollywood actress Koel Mallick.
The nominations come as biennial polls for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, including West Bengal, are scheduled for March 16, 2026, with nominations open until March 5. In West Bengal, five seats are falling vacant, four of which were previously held by TMC members, including party president Subrata Bakshi and leaders Ritabrata Bhattacharya and Saket Gokhale. Given TMC's strong majority in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly (around 223-225 MLAs), the party is widely expected to secure four seats comfortably, while the BJP, with approximately 64-65 MLAs, is positioned to win one.
Menaka Guruswamy, a renowned constitutional lawyer and vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has been highlighted for her role in landmark cases, including the 2018 decriminalization of homosexuality under Section 377. If elected, she would become India's first openly LGBTQ Member of Parliament, bringing significant legal expertise to the Upper House. Babul Supriyo, a playback singer-turned-politician, previously served as a Union Minister under the BJP before joining TMC in 2021 and is currently an MLA from Ballygunge.
Also Read: Mahindra Thar Hauls Burning Motorcycle 7 Km in Noida Highway Escape Bid
Rajeev Kumar, who recently retired as West Bengal DGP and is considered close to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, adds administrative and law enforcement experience to the list. Actress Koel Mallick, a popular figure in Bengali cinema, represents the party's appeal to cultural and entertainment sectors. The TMC described the nominees as reflecting its commitment to resilience, citizen rights, and diverse representation.
The announcement drew criticism from the BJP's West Bengal unit, which accused TMC of favoring "non-Bengali" candidates and questioned the party's pro-Bengal stance. TMC leaders countered that the selections underscore a broad-based approach to governance and inclusivity ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. With the party's numerical strength ensuring unopposed or near-certain victories for its picks, the nominations signal strategic preparations to strengthen its presence in Parliament.
Also Read: JD Vance Says US Strike on Iran Unlikely to Escalate Into Prolonged War
