Empowered Voices: Four TMC Leaders and a BJP Candidate Take Bold Step in Rajya Sabha Nominations for West Bengal!
Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate and former West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar officially submitted his nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Kolkata on March 5, 2026. Alongside Kumar, three additional TMC candidates-State Minister Babul Supriyo, Supreme Court lawyer Menaka Guruswamy, and actress Koel Mallick-also filed their nominations at the State Legislative Assembly. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) counters the TMC with a single candidate, former State President Rahul Sinha, who was accompanied by current State President Samik Bhattacharya and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari during the nomination process.
With a commanding majority in the 294-member assembly, the TMC is anticipated to secure all four of its nominated seats, while the BJP is poised to win one. Rajeev Kumar expressed his gratitude and sense of duty, citing Mother Teresa’s words: “I trust God will not give me any responsibility that I cannot handle; I just wish He did not trust so much.” Kumar emphasized the honor and weight of the role he is seeking.
Koel Mallick shared her enthusiasm, stating that she feels blessed for the opportunity to serve the public. Menaka Guruswamy elaborated on her vision for her potential role, affirming her commitment to upholding the Constitution’s values of equality and non-discrimination, as she expressed excitement about contributing to law-making in Parliament.
Elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states are scheduled for March 16, with results to be announced the same day. The inclusion of Rajeev Kumar on the nomination list is particularly noteworthy. A close ally of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Kumar served as DGP until January 2026, making his candidacy a significant move for the TMC. Guruswamy has previously represented the state government in high-profile cases, including the tragic rape and murder of a doctor in 2024, as well as advocating for equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in India.
Babul Supriyo’s shift from the BJP to the TMC in 2021 marks a significant political transition; he previously served as a two-term MP from Asansol and was elected to the State Assembly following his switch. Meanwhile, Rahul Sinha, one of the foundational members of the West Bengal BJP, views this nomination as recognition for his contributions in establishing the party’s presence in the state. Despite losing the Lok Sabha elections in both 2014 and 2019, as well as the 2016 State Assembly elections, Sinha remains resolute and optimistic, stating, “The party has given me the opportunity to file a nomination for Rajya Sabha, and I will use this platform to address the pressing issues faced by the people of West Bengal.”
As the March 16 elections draw near, the political landscape in West Bengal continues to evolve, with the TMC aiming to solidify its upper house representation amid the competitive pressures from the BJP. This upcoming electoral battle will be closely monitored, as the implications will be significant for both parties in shaping the future policy direction for the state.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/four-tmc-one-bjp-candidate-file-nominations-for-rajya-sabha-elections-in-west-bengal/article70707611.ece
Category : West Bengal
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Publish Date: 2026-03-06 03:50:00
