'Sought Himanta's Advice': TMC MP Sushmita Dev Opens Up On Why She Quit Amid Party Crisis

Last Updated:June 15, 2026, 12:09 IST

Former Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev quits TMC and Rajya Sabha, cites internal turmoil and exodus, credits Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for guiding her decision.

Former Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev has said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma played a crucial role in her decision to quit the party and resign from the Rajya Sabha, as she cited internal turmoil and an “unprecedented exodus" within the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Dev said she felt the Trinamool Congress was consumed by managing its crisis in West Bengal, leaving little scope for political growth in Assam, where she has remained active throughout her career.

“My politics is in Assam and I feel AITC is handling a major crisis in Bengal, which is the focus. Prospects in Assam may not be there at all in the future," she said.

The daughter of former Union Minister and Congress stalwart Santosh Mohan Dev, Sushmita left the Congress in 2021 to join the Trinamool Congress and was later nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the party.

‘Unprecedented Exodus’ in TMC

Dev pointed to the growing number of resignations and defections within the party as evidence of deeper organisational problems.

“The internal turmoil in AITC just because of the defeat is a grim picture. The exodus is unprecedented. Why has no one been able to contain it? That’s the big question," she said.

Asked why leaders were distancing themselves from the party, Dev suggested that public sentiment following the election results may have contributed to the trend.

“I can only speculate, but the public reaction on the ground towards Trinamool and the Bengal mandate may be a factor. Everyone wants a good future," she said.

Himanta Sarma’s Role

Speaking about her decision-making process, Dev said she met Himanta Biswa Sarma after resigning and sought his advice and guidance.

“I have seen his struggle and his rise. His vision and ability to deliver for the people of Assam is unmatched. I sought his advice and guidance straight after resigning. I have complete faith in whatever he decides for me. He has been a critical factor in arriving at my decision," she said.

The remarks have fuelled speculation over her future political plans and a possible alignment with the BJP, although Dev stopped short of making any formal announcement.

Questions Over TMC’s Decline

Dev said the reasons behind the party’s electoral setback and subsequent instability could not be attributed to a single factor.

According to her, anti-incumbency had been underestimated and some grassroots leaders had damaged the party’s image through their conduct.

“Many grassroots leaders have let down Mamata ji in their misdemeanours. She couldn’t control it somehow," she said.

She also argued that the scale of departures from the party could not be explained by electoral defeat alone.

“It can’t be just the results or the defeat. I get the feeling that distancing themselves will help shed the negative public perception," she said.

Future Plans

While declining to disclose her next move, Dev indicated that she intends to remain active in Assam politics.

“Politics is dynamic and all that matters is growth," she said.

Asked about joining the BJP, she said such decisions would be for the BJP leadership to make. She also praised the development witnessed in Assam’s Barak Valley over the past decade and criticised Congress’s internal politics for slowing the region’s progress.

Her departure marks another setback for the Trinamool Congress’s efforts to expand beyond West Bengal and comes amid continuing questions over the party’s future direction following a series of high-profile exits.

About the Author

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ...Read More

News india 'Sought Himanta's Advice': TMC MP Sushmita Dev Opens Up On Why She Quit Amid Party Crisis

Read More