Sushmita Dev Pledges Commitment to Assam Despite Rajya Sabha Role from West Bengal
Sushmita Dev's Commitment to Assam
BJP MP Sushmita Dev with supporters after arriving at Silchar airport on Saturday. (AT Photo)
Silchar, July 18: Newly elected BJP Rajya Sabha member Sushmita Dev emphasized on Saturday that her political focus will remain on Assam, especially the Barak Valley, even though she was elected to the Upper House representing West Bengal.
Dev stated that a Member of Parliament's responsibilities extend beyond the state of election, asserting her commitment to Assam's development, as she has done in the past.
Addressing her supporters in Silchar, she responded to inquiries regarding her election from West Bengal shortly after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She highlighted that the constitutional role of an MP transcends state lines.
"With this responsibility, I will prioritize the development of Assam, particularly the Barak Valley," she declared.
Dev also recognized the contributions of BJP legislators and workers in West Bengal, acknowledging their role in her election to the Rajya Sabha.
"It is undeniable that the efforts of BJP legislators and workers in West Bengal were crucial for securing this Rajya Sabha seat. I aim to work for the advancement of both Assam and West Bengal, as I have previously," she stated.
In defense of her election from a different state, Dev pointed out that the Constitution allows individuals to contest Lok Sabha elections from any constituency and to be elected to the Rajya Sabha from any state.
"The Constitution permits contesting Lok Sabha elections from anywhere in the country and being elected to the Rajya Sabha from any state. This is something people need to comprehend," she explained.
Highlighting the national nature of Parliament, she added, "The Rajya Sabha is part of the national Parliament, not a State Assembly where I am limited to discussing only the state I represent. As an MP, I can advocate for the entire nation."
Her comments seemed directed at addressing concerns in Assam while recognizing the political support she received from West Bengal.
Dev's statements follow a swift political transition where she resigned from the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and the Rajya Sabha in June, joined the BJP, and subsequently returned to Parliament as the party's nominee from West Bengal.
This development has garnered significant political attention, particularly in Assam, where Dev has established her political identity, closely associated with Silchar and the Barak Valley.
A former MLA from Silchar and Lok Sabha MP, Dev hails from one of the Barak Valley's most influential political families. Her father, the late Santosh Mohan Dev, served multiple terms in Parliament and held the position of Union Minister.
Her return to Silchar as a BJP parliamentarian marks a notable shift from her previous roles as a Congress leader and a prominent figure in the AITC in Assam.
Now part of the BJP-led government at the Centre, political analysts will be keen to observe how she utilizes her new position to address issues pertinent to Assam, particularly those affecting the Barak Valley.