Former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Rukmini Mallick, better known by her screen name Koel, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, a day after it nominated her as its Rajya Sabha candidate from West Bengal for the October 16 by-election, months after quitting the Upper House seat of Parliament in July.
“I always wanted to serve the nation in my capacity as an individual. I do not want to belittle any party. Mallick is set to be re-elected unopposed as there is no other candidate in the fray. We cannot comment on her decision. Every politician has the right to take a stand. “They work for their party but never get rewarded. Mallick resigned from the Upper House four months after she was elected in March. She did not attend any Parliament session. With her exit, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction’s strength in the Rajya Sabha came down to nine. I have no anger against them.”
Mallick resigned as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha member after the BJP swept to power for the first time in West Bengal, winning 208 of 294 assembly seats. Because of its achievements, she said she joined the BJP. Because i think I will get the opportunity to serve the people,” she said when asked about criticism over switching sides, i have joined the BJP. Because of their own vexations, earlier reporting noted: Asked about negative comments against her for leaving the TMC and joining the BJP, Mallick said, “They are making such rude comments possibly.
Prasun Banerjee, an assembly member of the rebel Democratic Trinamool Congress, said, “Koel Mallick said she joined the BJP to serve the people. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Shatarup Ghosh said they feel sorry for BJP workers and leaders. The BJP leadership keeps sending TMC leaders to the Parliament,” said Ghosh. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said a lot of people from other parties are eager to join the BJP as well. Earlier reporting noted: “It would be an honour for me to become a member of the Upper House of Parliament and get a chance to work for the welfare of the people,” Mallick told a press conference at the BJP state headquarters here. Earlier reporting noted: The actor-politician said she wants to be part of the development initiatives taken up by the first BJP government in West Bengal and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for selecting her for the Rajya Sabha membership.
