In a major political development on June 10, 2026, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev resigned from both the party and her seat in the Upper House. Shortly after submitting her resignation, she met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Delhi, triggering intense speculation about her potential switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This latest exit adds to the growing internal challenges faced by Mamata Banerjee’s TMC following its significant defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.
Details of the Resignation
Sushmita Dev, a prominent TMC national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal, formally resigned with immediate effect. She has a long political journey, having previously served as a Congress Lok Sabha MP from Silchar in Assam and as president of the All India Mahila Congress. She joined TMC in 2021 after leaving Congress.
Her resignation letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan requested acceptance with immediate effect. She also stepped down from all party positions within TMC.
This move comes close on the heels of another senior TMC leader, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, resigning recently amid allegations of internal issues like corruption. The party suffered a major setback in the West Bengal polls, where the BJP registered substantial gains.
Meeting with Himanta Biswa Sarma
Reports and visuals confirmed that Dev met Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma soon after her resignation. Sources suggest this interaction could be a precursor to her formal induction into the BJP. Dev has deep roots in Assam’s Barak Valley, particularly Silchar, which could prove strategically valuable for the BJP in the region.
Notably, Dev has been a vocal critic of Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP policies in the past, especially on issues concerning the Northeast and Bengali-speaking communities. Her potential realignment highlights the dynamic and often fluid nature of politics in the region.
Political Significance
- Impact on TMC: The departure of a national spokesperson and sitting Rajya Sabha MP further weakens the party’s position post its electoral losses. TMC is yet to issue a detailed official response.
- Boost for BJP: If Dev joins the BJP, it could strengthen the party’s presence in Assam’s Bengali-speaking areas ahead of future electoral battles, including the 2026 Assam Assembly polls. The vacancies created could also allow the NDA to gain ground in the Rajya Sabha through by-elections.
- Northeast Dynamics: The development underscores shifting loyalties in Northeast India, where leaders frequently reassess alliances based on regional aspirations and national trends.
As of now, neither Dev nor the BJP has made an official announcement regarding her future affiliation. The story continues to unfold, with political observers closely watching the next steps.
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