Sushmita Dev resigned from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and her Rajya Sabha seat on June 10, 2026 [1].
Dev is a prominent political figure and former Congress leader. Her departure signals a potential shift in the political landscape of Assam, where she intends to focus her future work, and adds to a growing trend of departures from the TMC.
Dev cited both personal and political reasons for her decision to leave the party [1]. In an interview with NDTV, she said her move was driven by a desire to avoid conflicting loyalties.
"What prompted me to take this decision is a very long story, and in politics not everything needs to be revealed," Dev said. "I don't want to be in a situation where I am in two boats. I have never stayed in a party and served another. The decision is my own" [2].
While she avoided making direct remarks about TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, Dev said she did not want to be "in two boats at the same time" [3]. Her resignation follows a pattern of volatility within the party this week, as she is the second party MP to resign in the last seven days [4].
Reports indicate that Dev has already held meetings in New Delhi with the Chief Minister of Assam to discuss her transition [5]. While she has not officially joined another party, there is significant speculation that she may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the near future to facilitate her work in Assam [5].
Dev's exit marks a definitive break from the TMC leadership. She said her decision was an individual choice and that she is now prioritizing her political trajectory within her home region [2].
“"I don't want to be in a situation where I am in two boats."”
Sushmita Dev's resignation reflects a strategic pivot toward Assam's regional politics. By vacating her Rajya Sabha seat and leaving the TMC, she removes the constraints of party discipline that may have hindered her ability to align with the current administrative leadership in Assam. Her potential move to the BJP would further consolidate the ruling party's influence in the northeast by absorbing experienced leaders from the opposition.
