Sushmita Dev Resigns from Trinamool Congress, Fuels BJP Switch Rumours

Sushmita Dev Resigns from Trinamool Congress, Fuels BJP Switch Rumours | Quick Digest
Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev resigned from the party and her Rajya Sabha seat on June 10, 2026, marking a significant setback for Mamata Banerjee. Her resignation, the second high-profile exit from the TMC this week, was followed by a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, sparking speculation of her joining the BJP.

Key Highlights

  • Sushmita Dev resigned from Trinamool Congress and Rajya Sabha on June 10, 2026.
  • Her exit is considered a significant setback for the TMC and Mamata Banerjee.
  • This is the second Rajya Sabha MP resignation for TMC in a single week.
  • She met Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, hinting at a potential BJP move.
  • Dev previously switched from Congress to TMC in August 2021.
  • Her resignation letter cited 'personal reasons' without further elaboration.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev resigned from her party and her parliamentary membership on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, delivering another significant blow to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's party. This high-profile exit marks the second Rajya Sabha MP to quit the TMC within the same week, following the resignation of Sukhendu Sekhar Roy. Dev, a prominent political figure, submitted her resignation letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan, requesting its immediate acceptance. While the exact reasons for her departure from the TMC remain largely undisclosed publicly, she stated that it was a 'very long story' and that 'not everything needs to be revealed in politics,' adding that she didn't want to be 'in a situation where I am in two boats.' Her resignation comes amidst reports of a deepening internal rift within the Trinamool Congress and a series of high-profile exits, particularly after the party's performance in recent elections. The political ramifications of Dev's resignation were immediately evident. Shortly after quitting the TMC, Sushmita Dev was seen meeting Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Delhi. This meeting has intensely fueled speculation that she is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that would further strengthen the saffron party's presence, especially in the northeastern region where Dev has a strong base. Sushmita Dev's political journey has been dynamic. She began her career with the Indian National Congress, where she held significant positions, including the presidency of the All India Mahila Congress. She was considered a close confidante of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. She served as a Member of Parliament from Silchar, Assam, in the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2019). However, she resigned from the Congress in August 2021, citing regional disagreements and dissatisfaction with the party's leadership and its alliance decisions in Assam, particularly with the AIUDF. She expressed that she felt she could be better positioned in the Trinamool Congress to serve her region effectively. Upon joining the Trinamool Congress in August 2021, Dev quickly rose in prominence within the party. She was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in September 2021 and subsequently re-nominated in February 2024, serving as a Member of Parliament for West Bengal. She also served as a national spokesperson for the TMC. Her move to the TMC was seen as a strategic step by Mamata Banerjee to expand the party's footprint beyond West Bengal, especially in the northeastern states of Assam and Tripura where Dev has familial and political roots. The current resignation of Sushmita Dev from the TMC is viewed as a significant setback for Mamata Banerjee, especially given that it's not an isolated incident. The departure of another Rajya Sabha MP, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, just days prior, underscores what some analysts are calling an escalating crisis and a 'full-blown rebellion' within the TMC's legislative and parliamentary wings. These events suggest potential internal discord and strategic realignments within the Trinamool Congress, particularly following recent electoral outcomes in West Bengal. The speculation of her joining the BJP, a formidable opponent to the TMC, further intensifies the political drama and highlights the fluid nature of political allegiances in India. This development will undoubtedly have implications for the TMC's future strategies and its standing in national politics.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Sushmita Dev resign from the Trinamool Congress?

Sushmita Dev resigned from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and her Rajya Sabha membership on June 10, 2026.

Why is Sushmita Dev's resignation considered a setback for Mamata Banerjee?

Her resignation is seen as a significant setback because she was a prominent Rajya Sabha MP and a national spokesperson for the TMC. It is also the second such high-profile exit from the party within a single week, indicating potential internal issues.

What are the speculations regarding Sushmita Dev's future political affiliation?

Following her resignation from TMC, Sushmita Dev met with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Delhi, leading to strong speculation that she might join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

What was Sushmita Dev's political background before joining the TMC?

Before joining the Trinamool Congress in August 2021, Sushmita Dev was a long-time member of the Indian National Congress. She served as a Lok Sabha MP from Silchar, Assam, and was the President of the All India Mahila Congress.

Who was the other TMC MP who resigned recently?

Sushmita Dev's resignation followed that of Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, another Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP, who also resigned from the party earlier in the same week.

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