The Trinamool Congress announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, including Minister Babul Supriyo, former Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar, senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy and actor Koel Mallick on Friday (February 27, 2026).
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to them. May they continue to uphold Trinamool’s enduring legacy of resilience and its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every Indian,” the Trinamool Congress posted on social media.
Among the candidates, the most notable name was Menaka Guruswamy, who, if elected, would become the country’s first openly queer Member of Parliament.
Who is Menaka Guruswamy?
Ms. Guruswamy is a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India, recognised for her unprecedented contributions to human rights advocacy in the country. One of her most notable achievements was her involvement in the landmark constitutional challenge against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) dealing with same-sex relations. This provision, in effect since the colonial era, has long been a source of discrimination and stigma against the LGBTQ+ community in India.
