Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Rajya Sabha Bypoll Sets October 16 Deadline for BJP
The Election Commission has set October 16 for an election to fill a Rajya Sabha seat.
The seat became vacant after actor Koel Mallik resigned on July 16.
She had entered Parliament in April as a Trinamool Congress nominee.
After meeting BJP leader Bhupender Yadav, people began wondering whether she would join the BJP.
Some Trinamool rebel leaders say she was promised another Rajya Sabha nomination on a BJP ticket.
BJP figures in Bengal reportedly want someone from inside the party to receive the seat.
The BJP’s Bengal spokesperson said he did not know about any talks to renominate Mallik.
The election will take place during Durga Puja, on Sashthi.
The dispute comes as several Trinamool politicians have changed political sides.
The Election Commission announced that the Rajya Sabha bypoll for Koel Mallik’s vacated seat will take place on October 16.
Mallik resigned on July 16, shortly after entering the Upper House on a Trinamool Congress ticket.
Her meeting with Union minister Bhupender Yadav prompted speculation that she could join the BJP and be renominated.
BJP insiders reportedly face pressure to select a candidate from within the party, while the state leadership may have limited influence.
The bypoll will occur on Sashthi during Durga Puja, amid wider defections and tensions involving the Trinamool Congress and BJP in Bengal.
- Who
- The Election Commission, the BJP, Trinamool Congress factions, and Koel Mallik are central to the dispute.
- What
- A bypoll will fill the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Mallik, amid speculation over whether she will be renominated by the BJP.
- When
- The bypoll is scheduled for October 16; Mallik resigned on July 16.
- Where
- The vacancy is in the Rajya Sabha seat representing Bengal.
- Why
- The seat became vacant after Mallik’s resignation, while her meeting with Bhupender Yadav triggered speculation about a BJP nomination.
BJP State Concerns
Reported Renomination Promise
Who should receive the seat?
BJP State Concerns
A BJP insider said the Bengal state leadership is under pressure to select someone from within the party.
Reported Renomination Promise
A Trinamool rebel source claimed Mallik had been promised a BJP nomination after resigning her Trinamool seat.
Status of Mallik’s candidacy
BJP State Concerns
The BJP’s Bengal chief spokesperson, Debjit Sarkar, said he was unaware of talks to renominate Mallik.
Reported Renomination Promise
Trinamool rebel sources said Mallik wants to return to the Rajya Sabha and could win the bypoll uncontested if nominated.
Political judgment
BJP State Concerns
BJP leaders would have to explain to party workers and voters why a former Trinamool nominee was being selected.
Reported Renomination Promise
Supporters of Mallik’s return pointed to her relatively clean, controversy-free image and lack of an established political identity before her April nomination.
- Bypoll date
- October 16
- Vacancy created
- Koel Mallik resigned from the Rajya Sabha on July 16.
- Original nomination
- Mallik entered the Upper House in April on a Trinamool Congress ticket.
- Seat term
- The term of the vacant seat ends in April 2032.
- Reported BJP option
- Trinamool rebel sources said Mallik may join the BJP and be renominated.
- BJP concern
- BJP state leaders reportedly face pressure to nominate someone from within the party.
- Political setting
- The bypoll falls on Sashthi during Durga Puja.