Sushmita Dev, a former leader of the Trinamool Congress and member of the Rajya Sabha, has resigned from both positions [1, 2].
Dev's departure marks a significant shift for the Trinamool Congress, as she was a prominent figure within the party's leadership. Her exit raises questions about the party's current standing and stability in the region.
Speaking in Delhi, Dev addressed the reasons behind her decision to step down. She rejected allegations that her departure was motivated by a desire for political gain or a strategic shift toward another organization. She said that her decision was based on personal and political reasons [1, 2].
"Have to work in Assam, nothing as opportunistic," Dev said [1].
Dev said that her primary focus moving forward will be on work within the state of Assam. Despite the speculation surrounding her next move, she clarified that she has not joined another political entity to replace her former affiliation [2].
"I am not affiliated with any political party currently," Dev said [2].
Her resignation from the Rajya Sabha means she will no longer represent her constituency in the upper house of India's Parliament. The move comes amid a period of political realignment in several Indian states—a trend that often sees leaders distancing themselves from established parties to build local influence.
Dev said that her focus on Assam is a genuine commitment to the region rather than a calculated political maneuver. She did not provide a specific timeline for her future activities in the state, but confirmed her intent to work independently for the time being [1, 2].
“"Have to work in Assam, nothing as opportunistic."”
Dev's resignation highlights the ongoing volatility of party loyalty in Indian politics, particularly for leaders bridging the gap between national roles and regional interests in Assam. By remaining unaffiliated, she maintains a flexible political position that allows her to cultivate a personal base in Assam without the constraints of a party platform, potentially positioning herself as an independent power broker in future electoral cycles.
