Menaka Guruswamy, TMC’s pick for Rajya Sabha, could become India’s first LGBTQ+ parliamentarian

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. Guruswamy, if elected, would become the country's first openly queer Member of Parliament. She is a renowned senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India known for her work in challenging Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which decriminalised homosexuality. With strong numbers in its favor, the Trinamool Congress is expected to win four of the five Rajya Sabha seats from West Bengal. The election will be held on March 16.