BJP Switch Soon? Sushmita Dev Quits Trinamool Congress, Meets Assam CM Himanta Sarma

Published 10 June 2026 · politics

BJP Switch Soon? Sushmita Dev Quits Trinamool Congress, Meets Assam CM Himanta Sarma Published By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 12:27 IST Fresh visuals of

BJP Switch Soon? Sushmita Dev Quits Trinamool Congress, Meets Assam CM Himanta Sarma Published By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 12:27 IST Fresh visuals of Sushmita Dev with Himanta Biswa Sarma have intensified speculation of her BJP entry, with TMC admitting her exit came as a surprise. Sushmita Dev meets Himanta Biswa Sarma (Video Screengrab) Fresh visuals of Sushmita Dev meeting Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have added momentum to speculation over her imminent entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), soon after she resigned as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and quit Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress on Wednesday. The meeting, which came amid intense political activity surrounding Dev’s plans, is being viewed as a significant indication of her next political move. Sources indicated that it has been decided that Dev would return to the Rajya Sabha in the future, this time with the BJP’s backing, although no formal announcement has been made so far.

The development marks a major setback for the TMC, which has been grappling with a series of political challenges and internal turbulence. A copy of Dev’s resignation was accessed by CNN-News18. According to information shared by sources, Dev had spoken to TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on the eve of her resignation and apologised to her. The details of the conversation remain unclear, but the reported outreach suggested that the former TMC leader sought to communicate her decision before making her exit public. The latest development has also drawn reactions from within the TMC. Senior party leader Saugata Roy described Dev’s departure as a surprise for the party. “Sushmita resigning is a shock to us," Roy told CNN-News18, reflecting the sense of unease within sections of the party. The political landscape surrounding the TMC is witnessing significant churn.

A breakaway faction led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee secured recognition in the West Bengal Assembly earlier this month after winning the backing of a majority of TMC legislators. The group has positioned itself as a “constructive opposition" while maintaining a political stance against the BJP in Bengal. At the national level, however, a separate development underscored the party’s growing troubles. A section of TMC’s Lok Sabha MPs reportedly communicated their decision to align with the BJP-led NDA, creating a striking contrast between the party’s state-level and parliamentary factions. Political observers have described the developments as evidence of an organisational and ideological crisis within the Mamata Banerjee-led party. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com.