Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev, who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, has cited the party’s ideological clarity and organisational structure as key factors in her decision to switch from the Trinamool Congress. Speaking in New Delhi on August 4, Dev reflected on her journey through the Congress, TMC, and now the BJP. She began her career with the National Students’ Union of India, the Congress’ student wing, before moving to the TMC in 2021. Dev noted that her move to the TMC was not a major ideological shift, given Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Congress background. However, she found that the TMC’s support base was largely centred around Banerjee’s leadership rather than ideology.
Dev drew a comparison between the Congress and the BJP, stating that the Congress has traditionally attracted voters with its ideological identity, while the BJP has remained committed to its ideological foundations. She described the Congress as appearing democratic but lacking consensus during implementation. In contrast, Dev said the BJP provides multiple channels for communication, including access to guardian ministers and party leaders. She also argued that the BJP’s ideological guidance comes from the broader Sangh Parivar, which is a larger and more democratic institution than the Congress’ reliance on the Gandhi family.
Dev criticised the Congress for forming alliances with regional parties, saying it had diluted its principles. She chose to leave the TMC, citing its limited scope beyond West Bengal, and believed the BJP offered greater opportunities to work for the people of Assam and the Northeast. Discussions with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Home Minister Amit Shah convinced her that the BJP was the right platform for her career. Dev acknowledged that her views on the BJP have changed over time, having once opposed the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and been ‘allergic to saffron’. She also weighed in on the debate over school curricula, arguing that educational content should reflect the contributions of all leaders, not just Congress leaders.
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📰 Source: Daijiworld