Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday announced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The Mamata Banerjee-led party named journalist Sagarika Ghose, Sushmita Dev, Nadimul Haque, and Mamata Bala Thakur as its candidates for election to the Upper House of the Parliament.

“We are pleased to announce the candidature of Sagarika Ghose, Sushmita Dev, Md. Nadimul Haque and Mamata Bala Thakur for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections”, the party said in a tweet. “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”, it said.

Sagarika Ghose is a journalist and author renowned for her extensive coverage of political affairs. She has worked with various media outlets including The Times of India, Outlook magazine, and CNN-IBN (now CNN-News18). Ghose is known for her work in print journalism as well as her appearances as a television anchor and political commentator.

She has authored several books, including “The Gin Drinkers,” “Blind Faith: India and the Mirage of Urban Modernity,” and “Why I Am A Liberal: A Manifesto for Indians Who Believe in Individual Freedom.” She is known for her close association with TMC and Mamata Banerjee.

Sushmita Dev, the daughter of the late former Union Minister Santosh Mohan Dev and former MLA Bithika Dev, is a current member of the Rajya Sabha. She previously served as a Lok Sabha MP from Silchar in Assam. However, she lost the seat to Rajdeep Roy of the BJP in the recent Assam Assembly polls.

Before joining the TMC, Dev held the position of president of the All India Mahila Congress. She resigned from the party and joined the TMC in the presence of party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

Md. Nadimul Haque is a notable Muslim leader within the TMC and currently serves as a member of the Rajya Sabha representing the party. Mamata Bala Thakur is another influential figure in the TMC who previously represented the Bangaon constituency in Parliament.