TMC Crisis Deepens: MP Sushmita Dev Resigns From Rajya Sabha Amid Rebellion

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has been dealt another significant blow as Member of Parliament Sushmita Dev has officially tendered her resignation from the Rajya Sabha. This development comes at a time when the party is already grappling with internal dissent and high-profile exits. Sushmita Dev, a prominent face in the party, had joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021. Before her association with Mamata Banerjee, she was a key figure in the Congress party, where she served as the chief of the All India Mahila Congress and also held the responsibility of a national spokesperson. Her departure is seen as a major setback for the TMC's national ambitions, particularly in the Northeast region.

The Growing List of Resignations

Sushmita Dev isn't the first high-ranking leader to step down recently, while her resignation follows that of Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, who also vacated his Rajya Sabha seat. These consecutive resignations are being interpreted by political analysts as a sign of Mamata Banerjee's loosening grip over the party organization. The internal friction is further highlighted by the fact that 61 MLAs have already come out in support of the rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee. This shift indicates a growing divide between the party leadership and its elected representatives, as more MPs and MLAs appear to be choosing a different political path.

Sushmita Dev's Political Journey

Sushmita Dev's political career has seen significant transitions. She previously served as a Lok Sabha MP from Silchar, Assam, representing the Congress party, while however, after her defeat in the 2019 general elections, she decided to leave the Congress and joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021. Within the TMC, she rose through the ranks quickly, becoming a national spokesperson and eventually being rewarded with a Rajya Sabha seat. Her sudden resignation now raises questions about the internal dynamics of the party and the reasons behind such a high-profile exit.

Claims of a Larger Rebellion

The turmoil within the TMC seems to be expanding. Rebel TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh made a startling claim on Monday, stating that approximately 20 party MPs have expressed their desire to align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In line with this move, a formal letter has reportedly been submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This potential mass defection could drastically alter the party's strength in Parliament and impact its influence on the national stage.

The Dispute Over Party Infrastructure

Adding to the party's woes, TMC MP Partha Bhowmick has written a letter to Abhishek Banerjee, demanding that the party vacate its Delhi office. The office currently operates from 20 Rajendra Prasad Road, which is Partha Bhowmick's official government residence. Bhowmick, who is identified as a member of the rebel group within the TMC, has made it clear that the party should no longer use his premises for its operations. This move further illustrates the breakdown of communication and trust between the rebel faction and the party high command.

The Party's Official Response

In response to these developments, senior TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee addressed a press conference on Tuesday, where he launched a scathing attack on the rebel faction led by Kakoli Ghosh. He stated that leaders who are dissatisfied with the party should have the moral courage to resign from their positions instead of publicly opposing the organization while continuing to hold office. Kalyan Banerjee emphasized that if any leader no longer wishes to remain with the Trinamool Congress or has serious ideological differences, the ethically correct step would be to step down immediately. The party's stance remains firm, even as it faces one of its most challenging periods of internal instability.