Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Rajya Sabha By-Election For Koel Mallick Seat Set October 16
A seat in India's Rajya Sabha has become empty after Koel Mallick resigned.
The Election Commission said voters will choose a replacement on October 16.
That date is also Durga Shashthi, part of the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal.
Mallick became a member of Parliament in March.
She did not attend any parliamentary session before resigning.
Three other Trinamool MPs had also resigned after the party lost the Assembly elections.
The BJP later sent those three MPs back to the Rajya Sabha.
This led to discussion about whether the BJP might also support Mallick's return.
The Election Commission scheduled a Rajya Sabha by-election in West Bengal for October 16.
The election will coincide with Durga Shashthi during the Durga Puja festivities.
Koel Mallick resigned as a Rajya Sabha MP on July 16.
Mallick became a Rajya Sabha member in March but did not attend any parliamentary session.
The BJP previously returned three former Trinamool MPs to the Rajya Sabha, prompting speculation about Mallick's prospects.
- Who
- The Election Commission, Koel Mallick, the Trinamool, and the BJP are involved.
- What
- A by-election will fill the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by Koel Mallick.
- When
- The poll is scheduled for October 16; Mallick resigned on July 16.
- Where
- The election concerns a Rajya Sabha seat from West Bengal.
- Why
- The seat became vacant after Mallick resigned as a Rajya Sabha member.
- Election date
- October 16
- Vacated seat
- Rajya Sabha seat formerly held by Koel Mallick
- Resignation date
- July 16
- Festival overlap
- The poll falls on Durga Shashthi during Durga Puja
- Parliamentary tenure
- Mallick had been a Rajya Sabha member since March
- Attendance
- She did not attend a parliamentary session during that period