Former TMC leader Sushmita Dev has defended her decision to quit the Trinamool Congress, rejecting suggestions that pressure from central agencies or political coercion played a role. Speaking to NDTV, she said no threats had been made against her and described her resignation as a practical political decision taken amid growing uncertainty. Acknowledging that she would face criticism, Sushmita Dev said she was prepared to be judged for her choice, adding, "A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do."