In response to a viral video showing him being called 'chor' (thief), actor and politician Dev, who represents Ghatal in West Medinipur, West Bengal, described the footage as 'altered and manipulated.' Following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) sweeping victory in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections, where they secured 207 out of 294 seats, Dev appealed for peace and unity within the state. He urged the public not to believe or share misleading content, emphasizing that Bengal has never embraced a culture of hatred. In his social media statement, Dev expressed confidence in the new BJP-led government, hoping they will address issues of misinformation and promote harmony. He also congratulated the BJP on their electoral success and called for an end to divisions within the Bengali film industry, advocating for artistic freedom and mutual respect. Additionally, Dev highlighted the importance of completing the Ghatal Master Plan, a flood management initiative expected to finish by 2027-2028.