Sushmita Dev has resigned from the Rajya Sabha and quit the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to focus on her political future in Assam [1], [2].
Dev's departure marks a significant shift in her political alignment and removes a prominent voice from the TMC's representation in the upper house of India's parliament. Her decision to exit the party comes as she seeks to re-establish her influence within her home state.
Dev previously joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021 [2]. During her tenure, she served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the party's interests in New Delhi. However, she said that she no longer wished to maintain divided loyalties.
"I don't want to be in two boats," Dev said [1].
The politician indicated that her primary focus will now shift toward the regional politics of Assam. This move suggests a strategic pivot away from national legislative duties in favor of direct engagement with the electorate in her home region [1], [2].
"My political future lies in Assam," Dev said [2].
Dev did not elaborate on whether she intends to join another political organization or run as an independent candidate in future elections. Her resignation from the Rajya Sabha seat is effective immediately, leaving the TMC to determine how to fill the vacancy [1].
“"I don't want to be in two boats,"”
Dev's exit underscores the volatility of party affiliations in Indian politics and highlights the tension between national legislative roles and regional political ambitions. By leaving the TMC and her seat in New Delhi, she is betting that her influence in Assam is more valuable for her long-term career than a position in the central government.
