What If Mamata Had Not Lost? Koyal Asked About Her Possible Party Switch

West Bengal politics has seen another major political shift as former Trinamool Congress leader Koyal Mallik has joined the BJP and been nominated by the party for a Rajya Sabha bypoll.

But during her nomination-related appearance, Koyal Mallik faced a question that immediately attracted political attention:

If Mamata Banerjee had not lost power in West Bengal, would she still have switched parties?

Instead of giving a direct answer, Mallik said that the question could be answered on another day.

Her response has added another layer to the discussion around her decision to leave the TMC and join the BJP.

What Did Koyal Mallik Say About The Party Switch?

When reporters asked whether she would have changed parties if the political situation in Bengal had been different, Mallik did not give a clear yes or no.

She indicated that she would leave the answer for another day.

That response is now being discussed because her political journey has changed very quickly.

Mallik was associated with the TMC and served as a Rajya Sabha member for a short period. She later resigned from the party and has now moved to the BJP.

Why Is Koyal Mallik's BJP Entry Important?

Mallik's move is significant because it comes at a time when the BJP is strengthening its position in West Bengal.

Her entry is also important because she has now been selected as the BJP's candidate for a Rajya Sabha bypoll.

According to the latest report, Mallik formally joined the BJP before filing her nomination. West Bengal BJP leaders, including state party president Shamik Bhattacharya and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, were present during the nomination process.

Who Is Koyal Mallik?

Koyal Mallik is a well-known Bengali actor and the daughter of veteran Bengali film actor Ranjit Mallik.

She entered politics through the Trinamool Congress and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Her political career with the TMC, however, lasted only a few months.

She served as a TMC Rajya Sabha member from April 6 to July 16, 2026, before leaving the party.

From TMC To BJP: What Happened?

Mallik's political journey took a major turn in July 2026.

She left the Trinamool Congress after serving as a Rajya Sabha member for a short period.

Her move to the BJP has now become even more important after the party selected her as its candidate for a Rajya Sabha bypoll.

The development also comes as several former TMC Rajya Sabha members have moved away from the party.

According to the latest report, Mallik is the fourth former TMC Rajya Sabha member to move to the BJP.

Why Did Reporters Ask About Mamata Banerjee?

The question was linked to the political circumstances surrounding Mallik's decision to leave the TMC.

Reporters wanted to know whether the change in political power influenced her decision.

In simple words, the question was:

Would Koyal Mallik have still left TMC if Mamata Banerjee had remained politically dominant?

Mallik did not answer the question directly.

Her decision to postpone the answer has therefore created additional interest around her political move.

Did Koyal Mallik Criticise Mamata Banerjee?

Mallik has not simply framed her BJP move as a personal attack on Mamata Banerjee.

When asked whether leaving TMC and joining BJP was a wrong decision, she defended her current position.

She said political parties have their own ways of working for the welfare of people and expressed pride in being part of the BJP.

This suggests that Mallik wants to present her move as a political decision rather than simply a personal disagreement.

What Did Koyal Say About Negative Comments?

After joining the BJP, Mallik also faced criticism on social media.

She said she was not angry with people making negative comments about her.

According to the report, she suggested that such comments could come from people dealing with their own frustrations.

She also spoke about the growing negativity and hostility on social media.

What Does Her Rajya Sabha Nomination Mean?

Koyal Mallik's nomination gives her political move greater importance.

The BJP has selected her for a Rajya Sabha bypoll at a time when the party has a strong numerical position in the West Bengal Assembly.

The election is scheduled for October 16, along with Rajya Sabha elections for seats in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

With the BJP holding a clear majority in the West Bengal Assembly, the party is in a strong position in the contest.

TMC's Rajya Sabha Strength Takes A Hit

Mallik's departure is also significant for the Trinamool Congress in Parliament.

According to the latest report, TMC's Rajya Sabha strength has fallen from 13 members to 9 after multiple members left the party.

Apart from Mallik, other former TMC Rajya Sabha members who have moved away from the party include Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik.

Why Is This A Political Problem For TMC?

The movement of Rajya Sabha members away from TMC creates a political challenge for the party.

The Rajya Sabha is important because the government needs numbers in the Upper House to pass legislation.

Every seat therefore matters.

The loss of several members can reduce TMC's strength and give the BJP more room to expand its presence in Parliament.

BJP's Strategy In West Bengal

The BJP has been trying to expand its political base in West Bengal for years.

The latest developments show that the party is not only focusing on elections but also on bringing leaders and public figures from other political backgrounds into its organisation.

Koyal Mallik's entry is therefore being viewed in the larger context of Bengal's changing political landscape.

Her nomination for the Rajya Sabha makes the move even more significant.

Why Did Koyal Not Give A Direct Answer?

There are several possible political reasons why a leader may avoid answering a hypothetical question directly.

However, it would be wrong to assume her personal motivation without a clear statement from her.

The safest reading is that Mallik simply chose not to answer the hypothetical question at that moment.

Her exact reasoning remains unclear.

That is why the question about whether she would have switched parties even if Mamata Banerjee had remained politically dominant remains open.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus will be on the Rajya Sabha bypoll.

Mallik has already completed the nomination process as the BJP candidate.

The election will show whether the BJP can convert its Assembly strength into another Rajya Sabha seat.

At the same time, political observers will continue watching whether more TMC leaders move towards the BJP.

What Does This Mean For Mamata Banerjee?

For Mamata Banerjee and the TMC, the movement of former party members is another political challenge.

The party continues to remain a major force in West Bengal, but defections can affect its organisation and parliamentary strength.

The latest developments also give the BJP an opportunity to present itself as an expanding political force in the state.

However, one individual switching parties does not by itself determine the future of Bengal politics.

The Bigger Bengal Political Picture

The Koyal Mallik episode is part of a larger political contest between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal.

The two parties have been competing aggressively for political space in the state.

For the BJP, bringing former TMC figures into its fold can strengthen its organisation and send a political message.

For the TMC, retaining leaders and maintaining its parliamentary strength remain important challenges.

Koyal Mallik's move therefore has significance beyond her own political career.