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The most prominent, and arguably most surprising, name on the list is Rajeev Kumar, a former IPS officer who retired as Acting Director General of Police on January 31.
Left to Right: Former DGP, West Bengal, Menaka Guruswamy, Koel Mallick, Babul Supriyo
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, naming Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar (Former DGP, West Bengal), Menaka Guruswamy and Koel Mallick.
Making the announcement on X, the party said, “We are pleased to announce the candidature of Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar (Former DGP, West Bengal), Menaka Guruswamy and Koel Mallick for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.”
The party also extended its congratulations to the nominees, expressing confidence in their leadership and commitment.
It added, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to them. May they continue to uphold Trinamool’s enduring legacy of resilience and its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every Indian.”
The announcement comes ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, which are likely to take place in April this year.
About The Four Candidates
Rajeev Kumar: From Top Cop to Parliament
The most prominent — and arguably most surprising — name on the list is Rajeev Kumar, a former IPS officer who retired as Acting Director General of Police on January 31.
Kumar has long been regarded by senior officers in West Bengal as an efficient and sharp administrator. Known as “RK” within the IPS fraternity, he has also been one of the most controversial figures in the state’s recent political history.
In 2019, when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought to question him in connection with the Saradha chit fund case, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee staged a dramatic dharna in Kolkata in his support. The episode escalated political tensions between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with the latter frequently criticising Kumar as one of Banerjee’s closest confidants.
Kumar has played a significant role in intelligence operations and internal security matters in the state. His move from policing to parliamentary politics marks a notable shift, signalling what appears to be a new chapter in his public life.
Maneka Guruswamy: The Courtroom Crusader
Senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy has also been nominated, reportedly in recognition of her strong legal defence of the Chief Minister.
Guruswamy represented Banerjee in the IPAC-related case before the Supreme Court and was noted for her assertive courtroom advocacy. During hearings, she confronted Enforcement Directorate (ED) representatives and stressed the need to uphold the dignity of the constitutional office of the Chief Minister.
Party insiders suggest her sharp legal acumen and constitutional expertise could be valuable in parliamentary debates, making her a strategic pick for the Upper House.
Babul Supriyo: A Return To The National Stage
Former Union Minister Babul Supriyo, who currently serves in the West Bengal government, has also been nominated.
Having previously held ministerial office at the Centre, Supriyo brings substantial experience in national politics. According to party sources, the nomination is aimed at sending an experienced voice back to Parliament — particularly someone familiar with central governance and legislative functioning.
Koel Mallick: Cultural Connect And Women’s Representation
Popular Bengali actress Koel Mallick is another notable inclusion. Belonging to the well-known Mallick family of the Bengali film industry, she commands considerable popularity across the state.
The Trinamool Congress has earlier nominated figures from the arts and cultural sphere, reflecting its emphasis on Bengali identity and representation. Party sources indicate that Mallick’s appeal among women and youth, along with her strong cultural connect, played a role in her selection.
A Strategic Blend Of Experience And Symbolism
The latest Rajya Sabha nominations underline the Trinamool Congress’s strategy of blending administrative experience, legal expertise, political maturity, and cultural influence.
With Rajeev Kumar’s transition from law enforcement to legislative politics drawing the most attention, the nominations are likely to trigger debate both within West Bengal and at the national level.
Mahua Moitra Welcomes Four Candidates To Party
Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra congratulated the party’s newly announced Rajya Sabha nominees, extending her best wishes in a post on X.
“Congratulations to the most fabulous new entrants to Team Mamatadi in Parliament. Onwards and upwards!” she wrote, responding to the party’s announcement naming Babul Supriyo, Rajeev Kumar (Former DGP, West Bengal), Menaka Guruswamy and Koel Mallick as candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
TMC Drops Gokhale, Bakshi, Ritobrata
The Trinamool Congress has dropped Saket Gokhale, Subrata Bakshi and Ritobrata Bhattacharya from its Rajya Sabha list.
Bakshi reportedly did not want to continue, while Ritobrata Bhattacharya will be contesting the upcoming Assembly polls. Saket Gokhale has been dropped from the list.
BJP Slams TMC’s Rajya Sabha Nominees
The BJP West Bengal unit launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress over its Rajya Sabha nominations, questioning the party’s choices and leadership.
In a post, the BJP said, “Fifty percent of Trinamool’s nominees for the Rajya Sabha are non-Bengalis. Couldn’t Mamata Banerjee find enough Bengalis to nominate? Or is she obliging those who hold her dirty secrets and are willing accomplices in her crime and corruption syndicate? It is as if she despises Bengalis and uses them merely to garner votes. This completely exposes her pro-Bengal pitch. If anything, she has continuously harmed the interests of West Bengal and Bengalis.”
February 27, 2026, 21:46 IST
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