Kolkata, July 24 (TIWN) In a surprise development Trinamool Congress nominated retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prasar Bharati, Jawhar Sircar to the Rajya Sabha.

The Election Commission had on July 16 said that bypoll to the Rajya Sabha seat from West Bengal vacated by Dinesh Trivedi earlier this year will be held on August 9.

"We are delighted to nominate Jawhar Sircar in the Upper House of Parliament," a party statement said.

Sircar spent nearly 42 years in public service and was also the former CEO of Prasar Bharati, the ruling party in the state said.