Kolkata, June 9 -- Amid intense speculation over his political future following the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), actor-turned-MP Dev (Deepak Adhikari) on Tuesday made it clear that he is not joining any breakaway faction as of now and continues to stand by Mamata Banerjee.
Speaking after attending Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's administrative review meeting at Kolaghat, the Ghatal MP said his priority remains fulfilling the promises made to the people of his Constituency.
Stressing that he has always practised "politics of courtesy and goodwill", Dev said he has never acted in a manner that would damage the party's image and remains grateful to Mamata Banerjee for initiating the long-pending Ghatal Master Plan in 2024.
At the same time, Dev expressed confidence in the new administration led by Suvendu Adhikari. He said the Chief Minister assured participants at the meeting that funds would be allocated in the new budget and that the state government would carry forward and complete the Ghatal Master Plan, a project aimed at providing a permanent solution to the region's recurring flood problems.
The MP said he attended the meeting not with any intention of switching sides, but as the elected representative of Ghatal. According to him, the people of the Constituency voted for him with the expectation that he would ensure the implementation of the flood-control project.
Notably, after assuming office, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had stated that his government would work with representatives from all political parties for Bengal's development. Dev's participation in the meeting appeared to reflect that approach. Suvendu Adhikari, calling Dev "brother", assured the MP: "Fulfilling the commitment you have made on the Ghatal Master Plan is my responsibility."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.