Popular Bengali actor and Member of Parliament Deepak Adhikari, more commonly known as Dev, has officially announced his intention to participate in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections by vying for the Ghatal seat in West Bengal, representing the Trinamool Congress.
This declaration comes in the wake of heightened speculation surrounding Dev's political trajectory, particularly following the widespread circulation of his poignant farewell address in Parliament, which had cast uncertainties over his future in politics.
"I have decided to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Didi (Mamata Banerjee) will make the announcement soon. I have had discussions with Mamata Banerjee and AITC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who have assured me of certain opportunities, the details of which I prefer not to disclose at this moment," Dev revealed to India Today TV.
He further elaborated, stating, "The Trinamool leadership has urged me to stand for the elections on behalf of the constituents of Ghatal."
After delivering his notable speech in the Lok Sabha during the concluding session of his current tenure, Dev convened with AITC General Secretary and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday. This meeting laid to rest any previous conjectures regarding Dev's dissatisfaction with his party affiliation or its directives.
Looking ahead optimistically, Dev expressed his aspirations, saying, "I am eager to continue serving the people of Ghatal and strive towards the realization of the Ghatal model, a vision cherished by the populace for many decades."
In response to queries about the suspension of a local leader in Ghatal, Dev clarified, "I refrain from intervening in the party's organizational matters. I have consistently adhered to the directives of our leadership. Consequently, only Didi can provide insights into this matter."
Renowned Bengali actor and Member of Parliament, Dev, delivered what he labeled as his "final address" in the Lok Sabha on February 8. Subsequently, he shared excerpts from his speech on social media, captioning it: "My concluding day in Parliament."
"This marks the conclusion of my speeches in Parliament. Since its inception, I have staunchly advocated for the Ghatal master plan. This endeavor transcends political affiliations; it is fundamentally about the welfare of our constituents," Dev emphasized.
Dev, a distinguished figure in Bengali cinema, recently tendered his abrupt resignation from three state government committees within his constituency.
In resignation letters forwarded to the District Magistrate, Dev relinquished his roles as the Vice-Chairman of Birsingha Development Authority, Chairman of Rogi Kalyan Samity – Ghatal SD Hospital, and President of Ghatal Rabindra Satabarshiki Maha Vidyalaya.
Having previously contested and triumphed in the Ghatal Lok Sabha seat in 2014 and 2019, representing the Trinamool Congress, Dev's decision to re-enter the electoral arena underscores his ongoing commitment to public service and constituency development.
