Sushmita Dev, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has resigned from her position as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha [1].
The departure of a high-ranking official from India's Upper House signals growing instability within the TMC. This move suggests a deepening internal crisis that could weaken the party's legislative influence in New Delhi.
Dev's exit is the second big departure from the TMC within one week [2]. Her resignation follows the recent decision by senior TMC leader Sukhendu Sekhar Roy to step down [1]. The rapid succession of these departures indicates a potential trend of attrition among the party's parliamentary ranks.
Reports indicate that the resignations are tied to growing unrest and an internal revolt within the TMC [1]. While the specific nature of the grievances has not been detailed in official statements, the timing of these exits suggests a coordinated or systemic failure in party cohesion.
Some reports suggest that Dev may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) [2]. Such a move would represent a significant shift in political alignment, as the BJP is the primary rival to the TMC in West Bengal. The party has not officially confirmed a new affiliation for Dev at this time.
The Rajya Sabha serves as a critical body for policy deliberation and legislative oversight in India. The loss of experienced leaders like Dev and Roy reduces the TMC's ability to project its regional interests on the national stage, especially as internal tensions continue to surface.
Dev has been a prominent voice for the TMC in the capital, and her resignation leaves a void in the party's strategy for the Upper House. The TMC now faces the immediate challenge of filling these vacancies while addressing the underlying causes of the revolt [1].
“The resignation marks the second major exit from the Trinamool Congress in a week.”
The resignation of Sushmita Dev, following closely after Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, indicates a systemic crisis within the Trinamool Congress's national leadership. If senior members continue to migrate toward the BJP or leave the party entirely, the TMC risks losing its strategic foothold in the Rajya Sabha and may face a broader collapse of morale among its parliamentary wing.
