‘You Can’t’: Riteish Deshmukh Hits Back After BJP Leader Says Vilasrao Deshmukh’s Name Will Be Removed

Actor Riteish Deshmukh has strongly pushed back against remarks made by Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan about his late father and former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, saying that legacies built through public service cannot simply be erased.

The controversy erupted after comments made at a political rally in Latur, triggering sharp reactions from the Deshmukh family and the Congress, which accused the BJP of disrespecting a leader deeply connected with the region.

BJP rally remarks trigger backlash in Latur

Addressing supporters at an election rally in Latur on Monday, Chavan spoke about the enthusiasm of BJP workers and suggested it reflected the party's growing strength in the region. He went on to claim that the influence of former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh no longer carried weight in the city.

"Everyone, raise your hands and say Bharat Mata ki Jai... In a true sense, seeing your enthusiasm, one can notice that it's a 100% fact that memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh will be wiped out for this city, and there is no doubt about it," Ravindra Chavan said.

Riteish Deshmukh responds: 'What is etched cannot be erased'

Soon after the remarks, Riteish Deshmukh issued an emotional video response, appealing for dignity in political discourse. He stressed that leaders who dedicate their lives to public service leave a lasting mark that goes beyond political narratives.

"I say with folded hands that the names of those who lived for the people are etched on their minds. What is written can be erased, but you can't erase what is etched," he said.

Congress accuses BJP of arrogance and disrespect

The comments drew sharp criticism from the Indian National Congress, which accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to undermine the legacy of a leader who devoted his life to Maharashtra's development. The party said such statements reflected arrogance of power and a lack of understanding of Vilasrao Deshmukh's bond with Latur.

The Congress also said no political force could erase Deshmukh's memories from the city. "Many came with such intentions, but the self-respecting people of Latur showed them their place," the party stated, warning that any insult to their "capable and illustrious son" would not be tolerated.

Amit Deshmukh calls remarks deeply distressing

Congress leader and former minister Amit Deshmukh, also the son of the late chief minister, condemned Chavan's remarks in strong words. He described them as "extremely unfortunate and deeply distressing" and said they had hurt the sentiments of the people of Latur.

"Such remarks were not expected from him or from the BJP, and they have hurt the sentiments of all Laturkars. We strongly condemn the statements in the harshest terms," Amit said. Echoing his brother's response, he added that Vilasrao Deshmukh's memories were deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and could not be erased by political rhetoric.

Vilasrao Deshmukh, a senior Congress leader, served twice as Maharashtra chief minister, from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2008, and is widely remembered for his enduring connection with Latur and its residents.