Mumbai: Actor Riteish Deshmukh has sharply responded to Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan’s remarks questioning the legacy of Riteish’s late father and former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Riteish said, “What is etched in people’s hearts cannot be erased.”
Addressing an election rally in Latur on Monday, Chavan said that the enthusiasm of BJP supporters indicated that the party was heading towards victory in the region. He also claimed that the influence and legacy of former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh would no longer exist in the city.
“Everyone raise your hands and say Bharat Mata ki Jai… Judging by your enthusiasm, it seems 100% true that the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh will be erased from this city, and there is no doubt about it,” Chavan said.
“What is inscribed cannot be erased”: Ritesh
Following Chavan’s remarks, Ritesh Deshmukh released an emotional video message. He said, “I say with folded hands that those who live for the people, their names are etched in their hearts. What is written can be erased, but what is inscribed cannot be erased.” Ritesh clarified that his father’s legacy is still deeply embedded in the hearts of the people.
Congress counterattacks, protecting legacy
The Congress also strongly objected to Chavan’s statement and accused the BJP of downplaying the contributions of a leader who dedicated his life to the development of the state. The party said that such statements reflect the “arrogance of power” and ignorance of Vilasrao Deshmukh’s legacy.
The Congress said that no one can erase the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh from Latur. “Many people came with such intentions, but the proud people of Latur showed them their place,” the party said. Congress also appealed to BJP leaders to refrain from making “irresponsible and derogatory comments” and warned that the people would not tolerate the insult of their “capable and proud son.”
Amit Deshmukh also condemned
Congress leader and former minister Amit Deshmukh, son of the late Chief Minister, called Chavan’s statement “extremely unfortunate and deeply hurtful.” He said, “Such comments were not expected from either him or the BJP. They have hurt the sentiments of the people of Latur. We strongly condemn these statements.”
Amit said that Vilasrao Deshmukh had touched the lives of every person in Latur and his memories are deeply etched in the hearts of the people. Echoing Ritesh, he said, “These memories cannot be erased by an outsider coming and making such comments. BJP leaders should have been mindful of this truth.”
Vilasrao Deshmukh was a prominent Congress leader from Maharashtra and served as Chief Minister twice—from October 1999 to January 2003 and from November 2004 to December 2008.