"Honoured and blessed": Koel Mallick on her massive BJP Rajya Sabha responsibility
Actor Koel Mallick joins the BJP as its Rajya Sabha nominee for West Bengal, promising to tackle youth migration and drive state development.
In a significant political shift in West Bengal, popular actor Koel Mallick has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has been named as the party's candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-election. Addressing the media on Monday, the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP expressed that she feels deeply honored to take on what she describes as a "massive responsibility."
Mallick, who arrived at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to formally file her nomination papers, emphasized that the Upper House provides a powerful platform to serve the nation. "Serving and working for the welfare of the people of the country is a duty we always fulfill—we fulfill it as human beings," she stated. "When you get a place, a platform, that ability to serve increases significantly."
Focus on West Bengal's development and youth migration
Transitioning from the silver screen to the legislative arena, Mallick highlighted several critical issues facing the state. She specifically pointed to the alarming trend of brain drain in West Bengal, where highly educated youth are forced to migrate to other states to find opportunities.
"When children from our state study exceptionally well, yet everyone moves outside and leads their lives outside, you wonder: 'Why aren't they doing it here?'" Mallick remarked. She noted that had these talented individuals remained in the state, the pace of progress could have been significantly higher. She expressed a strong desire to see accelerated developmental work across Bengal to ensure that local talent can thrive locally.
Addressing the shift from TMC to BJP
When questioned about her previous association with the Trinamool Congress and whether her past political choices were mistakes, Mallick maintained a diplomatic stance. She refused to belittle her former affiliation, stating that every political party strives to work for the people in its own way.
However, she made it clear that her current path is one of immense pride. She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari for their trust in her. "I feel extremely proud and fortunate to be associated with the BJP now," she added, noting her aspiration to participate in public development on a much larger scale.
A vision for the film industry and governance
Beyond macro-economics and migration, Mallick also touched upon her personal connection to the arts. Given her deep emotional ties to the West Bengal film industry, she indicated an interest in using her position to advocate for its growth and development.
For Mallick, the move into legislative politics is about moving from observation to action. She noted that while citizens often "sigh and express regret" while reading the news, the Rajya Sabha offers a space to actually contribute to the solutions. Her ultimate goal remains simple: to effect positive change in the lives of the people and contribute to the welfare of both the state and the nation.