Rajya Sabha: Sushmita Dev Takes Oath, Thanks BJP Leadership

BJP leader Sushmita Dev on Monday (July 20) took oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, describing the occasion as a moment of “immense responsibility” and thanking the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership for placing its trust in her.

In a statement shared after taking the oath, Dev expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his vision and commitment to the development of the North East had inspired millions across the country. She also thanked BJP National President Nitin Nabin and Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for their support and guidance. Dev said she would carry out her responsibilities with dedication and work sincerely to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

The oath-taking comes just two days after Dev visited her hometown, Silchar for the first time since being elected to the Upper House from West Bengal. She arrived at Kumbhirgram Airport on Saturday (July 18), where BJP leaders, party workers and supporters welcomed her with a traditional Assamese gamusa and uttariyo.

Speaking to reporters during her visit, Dev thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP leadership in Assam and West Bengal for giving her the opportunity to serve in the Rajya Sabha. She said she had joined the BJP without placing any conditions before the party after leaving the Trinamool Congress and described her election as a matter of “good fortune”.

Dev said the Rajya Sabha position was important because it offered an opportunity to serve the people. She added that she would work not only for West Bengal but also for the development of Assam, with special focus on Barak Valley. She also thanked BJP MLAs in West Bengal for electing her and expressed gratitude to party workers in the state for their continued support.

Clarifying the role of a Rajya Sabha member, Dev said MPs in the Upper House represent the nation and are not limited to serving only the state from which they are elected. She said this would allow her to continue working for the development of Barak Valley while also contributing to the progress of West Bengal and the country as a whole.

Her election to the Rajya Sabha followed her recent switch from the Trinamool Congress to the BJP, marking a new phase in her political career.