Sushmita Dev Trinamool Exit Rajya Sabha Himanta Sarma

Sushmita Dev, once the Trinamool Congress’s face in Assam, has quit the party and resigned from the Rajya Sabha amid the ongoing meltdown in the Mamata Banerjee-led party. The daughter of Congress leader and former Union Minister, late Santosh Mohan Dev, she was with the Congress till 2021, when she switched to Trinamool Congress.

She spoke to The Indian Express on the reasons behind the decision to quit Trinamool and her plans for the future

The reasons for the decision are many. Some, I would not like to reveal. My politics is in Assam and I feel AITC (Trinamool Congress) is handling a major crisis in Bengal, which is the focus. Prospects in Assam may not be there at all in the future. As a full-time politician I don’t fear defeat, I have seen many, but to be able to work in Assam for the people, this was the best decision. 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? Big question!

I met Assam CM (Himanta Biswa Sarma) whom I have known since my early days in politics. 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 (me) arriving at my decision.

I can only speculate but the public reactions on the ground towards Trinamool and the Bengal mandate may be a factor. Everyone wants a good future. There is a fine line between opportunity and opportunism.

That’s the point, it can’t be just the results or the defeat. I get the feeling that (they feel) distancing themselves will help shed the negative public perception.

Defeat has many reasons, can’t be one. Can’t blame only one person, a combination of things have played a role. My common sense tells me anti-incumbency is always a factor that influences change and this has been underplayed by AITC. Many grassroots leaders have let down Mamata ji in their misdemeanours. She couldn’t control it somehow.

Politics is dynamic and all that matters is growth . The specifics, I can’t say.

That, the BJP high command will decide. The Assam results tell me that the writing is on the wall. Congress had a crushing defeat – a total rejection by the people. Coming from a region like Barak Valley, we have a lot of catching up to do and the last ten years have shown me a quantum change in development and growth of the region. Internal politics of Congress in Assam always slowed down Barak Valley. I am witness to many sabotages during my father’s time as a minister in the Congress. It was a saga of deprivation. He fought very hard for development – it was never easy.

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More