Mallick was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by former West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee earlier this year, just months before the state elected a new assembly.

Mallick took oath as the MP on April 6, marking the beginning of her political journey.

Mallick quit the Upper House on July 16, a little over a month since the TMC suffered a blow in the West Bengal Assembly polls which resulted in a series of defections from the party.

The Election Commission has set the Rajya Sabha by-poll for the seat left vacant by Mallick on October 16.

The last date of filing nominations is October 6.

Shortly after submitting her resignation, Mallick met Union Minister and senior BJP leader Bhupender Yadav at his residence in New Delhi.

Who is Koel Mallick?

Koel Mallick is among the most recognised actors in the Bengali film industry.

She is the daughter of veteran actor Ranjit Mallick and Deepa Mallick. She married film producer Nispal Singh in 2013, and the couple has a son.

Throughout her acting career, Mallick has received several honours, including a Filmfare Awards Bangla, two Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards, and an Anandalok Puraskar.

In 2023, the West Bengal government conferred upon her the Mahanayak Samman.