Ex-DGP Rajeev Kumar, Babul Supriyo, Koel Mallick are TMC candidates for Rajya Sabha election

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sent shockwaves through the political corridors by announcing a "fresh and surprise" list of candidates for the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections. The most significant name on the list is Rajeev Kumar, the former Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal. Known as a highly trusted officer of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Kumar’s transition from the top echelons of policing to the temple of democracy marks a major career shift. His nomination is seen as a reward for his long-standing allegiance to the state administration.

In another strategic move, the party has nominated popular actress Koel Mallick and singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo. Koel Mallick, the daughter of veteran actor Ranjit Mallick, represents a significant bridge to the Tollywood industry and a clean, respected face for the party. Meanwhile, Babul Supriyo’s nomination ends months of speculation regarding his role in the upcoming Assembly elections; by sending him to the Rajya Sabha, the TMC has signaled his transition from state-level legislative duties to a more prominent role in national politics.

The inclusion of Menaka Guruswamy, a distinguished lawyer who has represented the state in critical legal battles against the Enforcement Directorate (ED), adds a strong intellectual and legal dimension to the TMC’s Rajya Sabha contingent. Her nomination is viewed as a calculated step to bolster the party's defense against federal investigative agencies in the national capital. This diverse list replaces several veterans, including Mausam Benazir Noor, and confirms that Ritabrata Banerjee will likely focus on the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections instead.

The announcement highlights Mamata Banerjee’s intent to blend administrative experience, legal expertise, and star power. By choosing figures like Rajeev Kumar and Menaka Guruswamy, the party is preparing for a more assertive presence in the Upper House, particularly on issues concerning federalism and legal disputes. As the candidates prepare to file their nominations, the political narrative in Bengal has shifted toward this new "Team Trinamool" for New Delhi.