BJP nominates former TMC MP Koel Mallick to Rajya Sabha, amid debate on “Trinamoolisation” and recent BJP-TMC defections.

BJP nominates former TMC MP Koel Mallick to Rajya Sabha, amid debate on “Trinamoolisation” and recent BJP-TMC defections.

The BJP has named Rukmini Mallick from West Bengal and Dinesh Arya from Uttarakhand for the Rajya Sabha polls. The announcement sets up the October 16 contest, including a West Bengal bypoll triggered by Mallick's resignation.

BJP names Dinesh Arya for Rajya Sabha from Uttarakhand as polls for 12 seats across UP, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal are set for Oct 16.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh has accused Koel Mallick of betrayal after the BJP named her for the Rajya Sabha bypoll in West Bengal. The nomination has sharpened focus on post-poll defections and Trinamool’s rethink on elevating public figures.

Mallick, who became a Rajya Sabha MP on a TMC ticket, had resigned from the Upper House a few months ago. The BJP has now nominated her as its candidate for the upcoming election.