New Delhi: Former Trinamool Congress leader Sushmita Dev has defended her decision to resign from both the party and her Rajya Sabha seat, saying changing political realities forced her to rethink her future.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Dev acknowledged that many people would view her exit as opportunistic, particularly at a time when the Trinamool Congress is facing one of the biggest crises in its history following its electoral setback in West Bengal.
“Given what is going on, I don’t know what her goal or ambition is or what she’s going to target outside Bengal. So I’m entitled to think for myself,” Dev said, referring to Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee.
She admitted that her timing could attract criticism but argued that politicians must adapt to changing circumstances.
“Yes, I seem like an opportunistic person who has left her at the worst time. But I also have to save myself from a crisis that I am heading towards with such uncertainty. Timing is everything in politics,” she added.
Trinamool Faces Deepening Internal Turmoil
Dev’s resignation comes as the Trinamool Congress struggles to contain growing dissent within its ranks following its loss of power in West Bengal.
The party is reportedly dealing with unrest both in the state assembly and Parliament. A group of MLAs has rallied behind first-time legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, who claims to represent the “real Trinamool”. In the Lok Sabha, several MPs have indicated support for the NDA, citing the public mandate.
The crisis deepened further after Trinamool Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray resigned from both the party and Parliament earlier this week.
‘Everyone Has The Right To Change Their Mind’
Responding to criticism over her sudden departure, Dev insisted that political leaders should not be judged harshly for changing positions.
“Today, everybody has the right to have a change of mind. It shouldn’t be held against me because circumstances change in politics,” she said.
Using a light-hearted phrase to explain her stance, she added: “A girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do.”
Dev also pointed to past political realignments involving Mamata Banerjee herself.
She recalled that Banerjee had previously allied with the NDA under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to secure benefits for West Bengal, despite later becoming one of the BJP’s strongest critics.
“She is a senior, astute and mature politician. I’m sure she understands that a change of mind happens in politics,” Dev said.
BJP Speculation Grows After Meeting Himanta Biswa Sarma
Soon after announcing her resignation, Dev met Himanta Biswa Sarma, triggering speculation that she may be preparing to join the BJP.
Asked directly whether she could switch to the BJP, Dev stopped short of ruling it out.
“Never say never,” she remarked, while clarifying that her meeting with Sarma was primarily to seek advice.
The BJP’s West Bengal leadership has repeatedly stated that it is reluctant to induct former Trinamool leaders due to allegations of corruption and governance failures associated with the party’s previous administration.
However, Dev stressed that her political future remains rooted in Assam rather than West Bengal.
From Congress To Trinamool And Beyond
The daughter of veteran Congress leader Santosh Mohan Dev, Sushmita Dev left the Congress in 2021 to join the Trinamool Congress. Over the past several years, she emerged as one of the party’s most prominent national faces and frequently led attacks against the BJP on television debates and public platforms.
Her departure now marks another significant setback for Mamata Banerjee’s party as it battles defections and uncertainty over its future political direction.