Sushmita Dev Meets Assam CM, Signals Political Shift After TMC Exit
Sushmita Dev's Meeting with Himanta Biswa Sarma
Sushmita Dev (left) with Assam CM Sarma after her exit from Trinamool in New Delhi, on Wednesday. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, June 10: Sushmita Dev, the outgoing Rajya Sabha MP from the Trinamool Congress, met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi on Wednesday. This meeting marks a significant moment in her political journey following her resignation from the TMC, although she did not explicitly confirm a transition to the BJP.
Dev expressed her admiration for Sarma, referring to him as a long-time mentor and stating, "He has always been my guide. That’s why I felt it was essential to meet him first after my resignation." She highlighted the progress made in Assam over the past decade, contrasting it with the previous Congress administration.
Reflecting on her departure from the TMC, Dev mentioned her dissatisfaction with the party's dynamics post-election. "I was not pleased with what I witnessed after the elections. My decision is ultimately beneficial for me," she stated, emphasizing that continuing her political career in Assam while remaining with the TMC was no longer feasible.
Dev noted that the electorate had sent a clear message through the distinct mandates in the Assam and West Bengal assembly elections. She indicated that if she wished to serve the people of Assam, remaining in the TMC was not a viable option.
While she refrained from confirming a shift to the BJP, Dev acknowledged that any future decisions would depend on the party leadership. She also chose not to comment on the internal politics of West Bengal.
When asked about Mamata Banerjee's leadership, Dev avoided direct criticism, stating, "She possesses significant political experience and will recognize and address the situation herself."
In the midst of these developments, Assam's sole TMC MLA, Sherman Ahmed Ali, reaffirmed his loyalty to the party. "For me, Mamata Banerjee embodies Trinamool, and I will remain with her. I am confident she will recover in whatever capacity, and my allegiance lies with her. She is my high command," Ali declared.
Additionally, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday, following discussions with Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi the previous day.