India, Oct. 5 -- 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.

She said she joined the BJP because of its achievements. "I always wanted to serve the nation in my capacity as an individual. I do not want to belittle any party. I have joined the BJP because I think I will get the opportunity to serve the people," she said when asked about criticism over switching sides.

Mallick resigned as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha member after the BJP swept to power...