'What is etched can't be erased': Riteish Deshmukh responds to remarks on father’s legacy, BJP chief Chavan apologises
PTC Web Desk: Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh on Tuesday issued an emotional public appeal after comments made by Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan about his late father and former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh sparked a major political controversy. The remarks drew strong reactions from the Deshmukh family and the Congress party, prompting Chavan to later clarify his statement and tender an apology.
In a video message shared publicly, Riteish Deshmukh said the contribution and legacy of leaders who devoted their lives to public service cannot be diminished by political rhetoric. With folded hands, the actor remarked that while words written on paper can be erased, the memories of leaders who worked for the people remain permanently engraved in public consciousness.
The controversy erupted on Monday after Ravindra Chavan, while addressing a BJP workers’ gathering in Latur, stated that the influence and remembrance of former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh would no longer be dominant in the city. He attributed the enthusiasm of BJP supporters to what he described as a changing political climate in Deshmukh’s hometown.
The statement triggered sharp criticism from the Congress, which accused the BJP of trying to undermine the legacy of a senior leader who played a significant role in Maharashtra’s development. The party described Chavan’s remarks as an example of the “arrogance of power” and asserted that no political force could erase Vilasrao Deshmukh’s contributions or his deep emotional bond with the people of Latur.
Congress leader and former minister Amit Deshmukh, son of the late leader, strongly condemned the comments, calling them highly unfortunate and deeply hurtful. He said the remarks had wounded the sentiments of Latur’s residents and pointed out that Vilasrao Deshmukh’s work had impacted nearly every household in the city. Amit Deshmukh stressed that such memories cannot be erased through political statements, particularly by leaders unfamiliar with the region’s long-standing emotional connect with his father.
Facing growing backlash, Ravindra Chavan later issued a clarification and apology, stating that his remarks were neither politically motivated nor intended to insult Vilasrao Deshmukh. He said his comments were misinterpreted and clarified that his focus was on local body elections and civic development. Chavan acknowledged Vilasrao Deshmukh as a senior and respected leader who served Maharashtra twice as CM and expressed regret over any hurt caused to the Deshmukh family.
He further stated that development and civic issues should remain central to electoral discourse and added that if his remarks had hurt Riteish Deshmukh or his family, he offered a sincere apology.
Vilasrao Deshmukh served as Maharashtra’s CM from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2008.
- With inputs from agencies
