Rajya Sabha – Trinamool Fields Four Prominent Faces for Upper House
Rajya Sabha – The All India Trinamool Congress on Friday unveiled the names of four nominees for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, which will be conducted in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. The list reflects a blend of experience drawn from politics, law enforcement, the legal profession and the cultural sphere.
Diverse Backgrounds in Candidate List
The party’s announcement was shared through its official social media handle, confirming that Babul Supriyo, former West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, Supreme Court advocate Menaka Guruswamy and Bengali film actor Koel Mallick have been nominated for seats in the Upper House of Parliament.
In its statement, the party expressed confidence in the candidates’ ability to carry forward its political legacy and reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and dignity.
The selection has sparked discussion within political circles due to the varied professional backgrounds of the nominees. Observers note that the move highlights the party’s effort to bring together administrative expertise, legal acumen, public service and cultural representation under one platform.
Babul Supriyo’s Political Journey
Babul Supriyo, currently an MLA from Ballygunge in Kolkata, began his parliamentary career as a BJP representative from Asansol in 2014 and retained the seat in 2019. In 2021, he resigned from the Lok Sabha and joined the Trinamool Congress. The following year, he secured a victory in the Ballygunge Assembly bypoll and was inducted into the Mamata Banerjee-led state cabinet.
Sources within the party indicated that Supriyo had been offered an opportunity to contest from the Asansol North Assembly constituency, though he reportedly chose not to pursue that option.
Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Supriyo acknowledged the leadership’s support and described the nomination as a new responsibility. He said he would approach the role with sincerity, adding that music remains an integral part of his identity even as he continues in public life.
Menaka Guruswamy’s Legal Record
Menaka Guruswamy, a senior advocate at the Supreme Court, has been involved in several high-profile cases. She was among the legal representatives in the marriage equality matter before the apex court. Guruswamy also appeared on behalf of the West Bengal government in the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case, alongside senior advocate Kapil Sibal. More recently, she was associated with proceedings linked to the I-PAC matter in the Supreme Court.
Her nomination is being viewed as recognition of her legal experience and courtroom record at the national level.
Rajeev Kumar’s Tenure and Controversies
Rajeev Kumar served as the Director General of Police of West Bengal from July 2024 until his retirement on January 31, 2026. Over the course of his career, he held several key positions within the state police administration.
Kumar came under national attention during the 2019 CBI action related to the Saradha chit fund investigation, when central agency officials attempted to question him in connection with the probe. He was later interrogated by the CBI for an extended period in Meghalaya regarding the same case.
More recently, his visit to the Kolkata residence of Prateek Jain, director of I-PAC, during Enforcement Directorate searches linked to an alleged coal scam case, generated public debate. The state’s ruling party had previously expressed strong support for Kumar’s service record.
Koel Mallick Represents Cultural Sphere
Actor Koel Mallick’s inclusion adds a cultural dimension to the candidate list. A well-known figure in Bengali cinema, she has maintained a strong public presence in West Bengal’s entertainment industry for years. Her nomination signals the party’s outreach beyond conventional political and administrative circles.
With these nominations, the Trinamool Congress has positioned a mix of seasoned administrators, legal professionals, political figures and artists for representation in the Rajya Sabha. The elections will determine who among them will take their seats in the Upper House, shaping West Bengal’s voice in national legislative affairs.