Trinamool choices for Rajya Sabha polls point to Lok Sabha strategy

In an attempt to woo women, Matua and minority voters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced four names for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections - journalist Sagarika Ghose, Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev, Matua community leader Mamata Bala Thakur and former Rajya Sabha MP Mohd Nadimul Haque.

"We are pleased to announce the candidature of @sagarikaghose, @SushmitaDevAITC, @MdNadimulHaque6 and Mamata Bala Thakur for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections. We extend our heartfelt wishes to them and may they work towards upholding Trinamool's enduring legacy of indomitable spirit and advocacy for the rights of every Indian," Trinamool Congress posted on X.

Later, Dev said, "I would like to thank my leader and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjeeji for giving me yet another opportunity to represent Trinamool Congress in Rajya Sabha. I am overwhelmed and grateful."


"It is an important milestone and Mamatadi has shown that she can walk the talk. Mamatadi has consistently and aggressively facilitated more and more women in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and in the assembly," Dev said.

Mamata Bala Thakur's selection comes in the backdrop of Union home minister Amit Shah asserting on Saturday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will be implemented before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Nadimul Haque, renominated for the third time, said: "I thank Mamata Banerjee for giving me this opportunity for the third time."

Subhasish Chakraborty, Abir Biswas and Santanu Sen haven't been renominated by the party. Elections to the five Rajya Sabha seats from West Bengal will be held on February 27.