Rajya Sabha MP Koel Mallick quits trinamool, meets Bhupender Yadav

Kolkata: Actress-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Koel Mallick (Rukmini) resigned from the party on Thursday and met Union minister Bhupender Yadav. With this, the total number of MPs of Mamata-led TMC in Rajya Sabha has been reduced from 13 to 9. Her resignation comes a day after Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra resigned.

Three former MPs -- Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev and Prakashchik Baraik -- have joined BJP and have been nominated by the BJP as Rajya Sabha candidates. Banerjee, in a Facebook Live session, said: "To escape from the hands of the police, CBI and ED, those who want to go, please leave before July 21." She said those leaving the party were in touch with her secretly.

"I saw another MP, an actor artist who I respect. She went to meet a BJP leader and then resigned," Banerjee said, after Mallick's resignation. "Those who want to leave under pressure of BJP and want to bow their heads under pressure from the agencies like ED and CBI, must leave," she said.


"Those who want to save themselves and their families, take your 'Lota-Kambal' (minimal belongings) and go, listening to the BJP. Please do not tarnish the party that we have created. Save your family, property, luggage and baggage," she added.