kolkata

Kolkata, October 5: Actress Koel Mallick formally filed her nomination papers on Monday as a candidate for the Rajya Sabha. The BJP had announced Koel, whose full name is Rukmini Mallick, as its Rajya Sabha candidate on Sunday. The announcement was followed by her formal induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday morning.

After joining the BJP, Koel Mallick left for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to complete the nomination process. She reached the Assembly at around 10.30 am and submitted her nomination papers approximately an hour later.

Before filing her nomination, Koel met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at his chamber in the Assembly. The meeting took place shortly before she formally submitted her papers as the BJP’s Rajya Sabha candidate. BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya was also present when the actress filed her nomination.

Koel’s entry into politics and her selection as a Rajya Sabha candidate have marked a major new development in her public career. After formally joining the BJP earlier in the day, she thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for giving her the opportunity to contribute to public life.

Speaking after joining the BJP, Koel said she was happy to see the development initiatives that had been undertaken in Bengal over the past few months. She said the progress being made in the state was encouraging and expressed her gratitude for being given an opportunity to work for the country.

Koel said she felt extremely blessed and honoured to receive the opportunity to contribute to the nation. Her remarks came shortly before she proceeded with the formal process of filing her Rajya Sabha nomination.

The actress’s political journey has moved swiftly, with the BJP announcing her candidature on Sunday, followed by her joining the party and filing her nomination on Monday. Her presence at the Assembly and meeting with the Chief Minister added further significance to the day’s political developments.

With her nomination now formally submitted, Koel Mallick is set to enter the next stage of the Rajya Sabha election process. Her transition from the Bengali film industry to active politics has drawn considerable attention, particularly following the BJP’s decision to field her for the Upper House.

The actress has said that the opportunity to work for the country is both a privilege and an honour for her. Her statements after joining the BJP indicate that development and public service will remain central to the message she carries as she begins her new political journey.