State BJP Chief Apologises For Remarks On Vilasrao Deshmukh

The controversy erupted after Ravindra Chavan’s remarks at a meeting of BJP workers in Latur on Monday. Addressing the gathering, he asked party workers to raise slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. After the sloganeering, he said, “Seeing your enthusiasm, I can say with full confidence that the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh will be wiped out from this city,” drawing applause from those present.

Following his comments, Congress leaders, including Amit Deshmukh, and actor Riteish Deshmukh criticised Ravindra Chavan, questioning the nature of political discourse in the state. The Congress accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the legacy of a leader who played a significant role in Maharashtra’s development.

The Congress strongly condemned the statement, calling it an attempt to belittle the contributions of a former chief minister. Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal said Vilasrao Deshmukh’s stature and contribution were “immense and undisputed”, and accused the BJP leadership of displaying “arrogance of power”.

Amit Deshmukh, Congress MLA, said it was unfortunate that politics had reached such a level. “This is not the culture of Latur or Maharashtra. We condemn Ravindra Chavan’s statement,” he said.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh responded emotionally, saying his father’s legacy could not be erased. In a video message, he said, “Those who live for the people leave a deep imprint on their hearts. What is written can be erased, but a deep imprint cannot. Jai Maharashtra.”

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Ravindra Chavan’s statement had been misinterpreted. “No one can ever erase the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh. Although we contest elections against the Congress, people across party lines have deep respect for him and his work for Maharashtra,” Fadnavis said.