Sushmita Dev Defends Resignation Amid TMC Turmoil and Speculations of Joining BJP

Sushmita Dev, a prominent TMC leader, has defended her resignation from the party and the Rajya Sabha, citing the need for practical political engagement in Assam. Amidst significant internal strife within TMC, her move raises questions about her potential shift to the BJP. In a candid interview, she emphasized her commitment to serving the people of Assam and the importance of remaining politically relevant. Dev's departure comes at a critical time for TMC, which is facing unprecedented challenges, including a rebellion from within its ranks. As the political landscape shifts, her future decisions could have significant implications for Assam's political dynamics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 11, 2026, 10:24 IST

Sushmita Dev's Bold Move

Sushmita Dev, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a member of the Rajya Sabha, has openly defended her surprising decision to resign. In a recent exclusive interview, she emphasized that politics is her sole vocation and that she needed to make a practical choice considering the realities on the ground in Assam. Her statement comes at a time when TMC is grappling with one of its most significant internal rebellions, leading to speculation that she may soon join the BJP.

Interview Insights

In an interview with a news media outlet, the 53-year-old Dev acknowledged meeting Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after resigning from TMC and her Rajya Sabha seat, but she did not confirm any plans to join the BJP. Instead, she stressed her primary concern is to remain politically relevant and serve the people of Assam. Dev stated, "Despite my love, loyalty, and respect for Didi (Mamata Banerjee), if I stayed in TMC, I saw no way to work in Assam. It simply isn't practical."

Career Politician's Perspective

Dev expressed pride in being a career politician, stating, "I am not a part-time politician. I have dedicated the last thirty years to this. I need to be practical and see the ground realities. I felt this was the best decision I could make." Her resignation comes amid rising turmoil within TMC, where 64 MLAs and 20 MPs have revolted against the party leadership, marking the most severe crisis since the party's formation in 1998.

Political Landscape in Assam

Having joined TMC from Congress in 2021, Dev is the daughter of veteran Assam Congress leader Santosh Mohan Dev. She previously served as a Lok Sabha MP from Silchar, a constituency held by her father. During the interview, she mentioned having candid discussions with Sarma, clarifying her focus on Assam. While she refrained from disclosing the outcomes of their talks, she confirmed that communication channels have opened. When asked about joining the BJP, she stated that nothing is finalized but noted that remaining leaders in TMC are no longer practical.

Reflections on Recent Elections

Dev linked her decision to the political realities stemming from the recent elections in Assam and West Bengal, where the BJP achieved significant victories. She remarked that the BJP received a strong mandate in Assam, while TMC's presence was limited. "When you cannot do anything for your people and fail to maintain your base and support, you gradually become irrelevant. I certainly do not want to go down that path," she asserted.

Addressing Criticism

In response to criticisms suggesting her move reflects political opportunism, Dev differentiated between seizing opportunities and opportunism. "There is a fine line between opportunity and opportunism. For me, opportunism is a critique. However, I regret to say that I will choose the opportunity to serve the people and engage in Assam's politics, which is not possible while remaining in TMC."

No Pressure from BJP

Dev denied that any pressure from the BJP influenced her decision, stating, "There are no criminal cases against me. I have no charges. So, I do not understand what kind of pressure you are referring to." She asserted that politicians have the right to reconsider their political decisions when circumstances change. "Everyone has the right to change their mind. It is my right. Why can't I change my mind?"

Internal Strife in TMC

Dev's resignation has gained significance as it coincides with increasing fractures within TMC; 20 rebel MPs have already informed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of their intention to form a separate parliamentary group under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar's leadership and support the NDA. This crisis first emerged in the West Bengal Assembly when 58 of TMC's 80 MLAs—now claimed to be 64 by the rebel faction—openly defied party leadership by supporting expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee as the opposition leader instead of the official candidate Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay. This occurred following TMC's dismal performance in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Consequences for TMC

The simultaneous rebellions in the Assembly and Parliament have plunged Mamata Banerjee's party into its most severe crisis since its inception in 1998, raising questions about the party's legislative strength, organizational control, and political future. In this context, the recent meetings between Mamata Banerjee and TMC's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee with Congress leadership in Delhi have gained significance, fueling speculation that the loyal faction to the Banerjee family may consider better coordination with Congress or even merging with the party as it faces unprecedented internal rebellion.