Former Rajya Sabha MP Says Decision Was Personal, Hints at Renewed Focus on Assam Politics
New Delhi: Senior politician Sushmita Dev has resigned from all positions in the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), becoming the second Rajya Sabha member from the party to step down this week amid growing political developments within the organization.
Shortly after announcing her resignation, Sushmita Dev met Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi, fueling speculation about her future political plans and possible return to active politics in Assam.
Sushmita Dev Resigns from Rajya Sabha
In a letter addressed to Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan, Sushmita Dev formally submitted her resignation from the Upper House of Parliament.
The move marks a significant development in Indian politics, particularly within the Trinamool Congress, which has recently witnessed internal challenges and leadership-related controversies.
While announcing her resignation, Dev emphasized that the decision was entirely her own and was taken after careful consideration.
Meeting With Himanta Biswa Sarma Sparks Speculation
Following her resignation, images of Sushmita Dev meeting Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma quickly gained attention across social media and political circles.
When questioned about the meeting, Dev described it as an interaction focused on seeking guidance regarding her future role in public life.
Speaking to reporters, she said she considered Sarma an experienced leader capable of providing valuable advice.
However, she stopped short of revealing any immediate plans regarding joining another political party.
The meeting has nevertheless triggered discussions about her potential return to Assam's political landscape.
"I Want to Serve Assam," Says Former MP
Addressing the media, Sushmita Dev indicated that she intends to focus more closely on Assam and the people of the state.
She described herself as a politician with an electoral background and strong organizational experience, suggesting that public service in Assam remains a priority.
"I come from the Barak Valley region of Assam and would like to serve the people of Assam," she said.
The statement has been widely interpreted as a signal that her future political activities may be centered around the northeastern state.
Former Congress Leader Joined Trinamool in 2021
Sushmita Dev joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021 after ending her long association with the Indian National Congress.
At the time, she described the move as the beginning of a new chapter in her public service career.
Before switching parties, she served as the president of the All India Mahila Congress, the women's wing of the Congress party.
She also represented Silchar in Assam as a Member of Parliament, a constituency historically associated with her family.
Political Legacy in Assam
Sushmita Dev is the daughter of Santosh Mohan Dev, one of Assam's most influential Congress leaders and a prominent political figure from the Barak Valley region.
Her family's long-standing political presence has given her significant recognition in Assam's political landscape.
Observers believe her future decisions could have implications for political alignments in the state, particularly among Bengali-speaking voters in the Barak Valley.
Another Major Exit From Trinamool Congress
Sushmita Dev's resignation comes just days after veteran Trinamool Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Sekhar Ray also resigned from both Parliament and the party.
Ray's departure attracted attention after he publicly criticized the party's functioning and political direction.
The back-to-back resignations have intensified discussions about internal developments within the Trinamool Congress.
Internal Challenges Facing Trinamool Congress
The resignations follow reports of political turbulence within the party after recent developments in West Bengal politics.
According to reports, a significant group of Trinamool legislators reportedly supported an alternative candidate for the post of Leader of the Opposition, diverging from the party leadership's preferred choice.
The episode exposed internal disagreements and sparked debate over the party's future organizational direction.
Political analysts suggest that recent resignations and leadership disputes could have a broader impact on the party's national expansion strategy.
Future Political Plans Remain Unclear
Despite speculation surrounding her next move, Sushmita Dev has maintained that she is taking time to reflect before making any major political decisions.
She emphasized that her resignation was a personal choice and declined to comment extensively on internal matters related to the Trinamool Congress.
For now, her focus appears to be on public engagement and exploring opportunities to contribute to Assam's development.
Whether she joins another political party or launches a new political initiative remains to be seen.
Political Developments to Watch
As one of the most recognizable political figures from Assam with experience in both national and regional politics, Sushmita Dev's next move is likely to be closely watched by political observers.
Her resignation, combined with recent developments within the Trinamool Congress, signals a potentially significant shift in the political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
With Assam emerging as an increasingly important political battleground, any decision regarding her future role could attract considerable national attention.
(With inputs from agencies)