In a significant blow to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), senior leader Sushmita Dev has resigned from both the party and her Rajya Sabha membership. This marks the second resignation by a TMC MP in recent days, following the exit of Sukhendu Sekhar Roy. The development intensifies the growing turmoil within Mamata Banerjee's party after its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Leadership Crisis Deepens
Dev's resignation comes amid widespread rebellion from MLAs, dissent among MPs, and a widening leadership crisis. The party is struggling to contain internal strife, with several leaders expressing dissatisfaction over the direction of the party under Banerjee's leadership. The recent electoral setback has further exacerbated these tensions, leading to a series of defections and resignations.
Speculation Over Political Future
Dev's recent meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has fueled speculation about her next political move. Sources indicate that she may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or another regional party. Sarma, a key BJP strategist in the Northeast, has been actively courting disgruntled TMC leaders to strengthen the party's presence in West Bengal.
Impact on TMC's Strength
The resignation of two Rajya Sabha MPs in quick succession weakens the TMC's representation in the upper house. With the party already facing a crisis of confidence among its rank and file, the exits could trigger further departures. Political analysts suggest that the TMC must address internal grievances urgently to prevent a complete erosion of its support base.
Meanwhile, the TMC leadership has not yet commented on Dev's resignation. Party insiders reveal that efforts are underway to pacify other disgruntled leaders, but the damage may already be done. The coming weeks will be crucial for Mamata Banerjee as she attempts to rebuild the party's morale and unity.
