Kolkata, Sept. 22 -- The BJP's choice for the Rajya Sabha seat vacated by actor-turned-politician Koel Mallick (Rukmini Mallick) could be the same person, Koel, if the BJP follows the recent precedent of re-nominating three Trinamool MPs to the RS as BJP MPs.
Following the resignation of Koel in July, the EC is going to hold the election to the RS on October 16, and the last date for filing nominations is October 6.
Party sources did not rule out the possibility of Koel's renomination.
Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik resigned as Trinamool MPs, joined the BJP and were subsequently returned to the Upper House as BJP nominees.
However, a section pointed out that the renomination of the three Trinamool MPs on a BJP ticket had created discontent among the party leaders.
So it is for the party to balance political experience, public appeal and organisational requirements in its new Bengal innings.
Koel's name is already making the rounds for fielding her again from the very seat she vacated in July. The recent hobnobbing between Koel's father, Ranjit Mullick, and West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari, particularly during Uttam Kumar's birth centenary programme, was noticed. However, sources said that for renomination, her name has to be cleared by Union Minister and BJP Bengal central observer Bhupender Yadav.
The other names being discussed in political circles include former Hooghly MP Locket Chatterjee, besides the possibility of the BJP opting for a fresh face.
However, there is currently no official indication from the BJP naming either Chatterjee or another alternative.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.