Silchar: Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev cast her vote in Silchar on Thursday, accompanied by her sisters and mother, former MLA Bithika Dev.

Speaking to reporters after voting, Dev underlined the importance of electoral participation in a democracy. She expressed concern over the possibility of fresh exercises like the NRC if the Bharatiya Janata Party returns to power.

She also referred to similar processes carried out in West Bengal, warning that even genuine citizens in Assam might find their names missing from voter lists. “That is why voting this year becomes important,” she said, adding that she cast her vote in line with democratic principles.

Dev, who represents the All India Trinamool Congress in the Rajya Sabha, also spoke about her party’s prospects in Assam. She noted that if the Indian National Congress secures a significant number of seats, it may need to seek support from the Trinamool Congress to form the government, as her party is contesting 22 seats in the state.

Commenting on the mood in Silchar, Dev made a striking remark, saying voters are free to choose as they wish. “People of Silchar can vote for a banana tree if they want to — I have no problem,” she said.