Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh delivered a poignant and emotional response on Tuesday after comments made by Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan about his late father, former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. The actor's calm yet powerful appeal on social media has ignited a significant political controversy.
An Actor's Heartfelt Appeal
In a video shared widely online, the 47-year-old actor made a heartfelt statement with folded hands. "I say with folded hands that the names of those who lived for the people are etched on their minds," Deshmukh stated. He added, "What is written can be erased, but you cannot erase what is etched." This dignified response came directly after Chavan's remarks during a meeting with party workers in Latur, the hometown and political bastion of the late Congress leader.
The Controversial Remarks and Political Backlash
The controversy stems from statements made by BJP leader Ravindra Chavan in Latur. Addressing party workers, Chavan had declared, "On seeing your enthusiasm, (I can say) 100 per cent that the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh would be wiped out from this city (Latur)." These comments triggered immediate and strong reactions from the Congress party.
The Congress accused the BJP of a deliberate attempt to diminish the legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to Maharashtra's development. In a statement released from Mumbai, the party asserted that no one could remove Vilasrao Deshmukh's memory from Latur, noting that similar attempts in the past had failed as the people of the district had firmly rejected them.
The party highlighted Deshmukh's contributions, stating he brought national recognition to Latur and spent his entire life working for the region's progress. It accused BJP leaders of making "irresponsible and disrespectful remarks" while visiting the city, driven by an "intoxication of power." The Congress also questioned the BJP's understanding of the deep bond the former Chief Minister shared with the people of Latur.
Apology and Aftermath
Following mounting criticism from both the political arena and the public, Ravindra Chavan issued an apology. He clarified that his focus was on civic amenities in the context of local body elections. "I have not criticised Vilasrao Deshmukh in my statement," Chavan said. However, he added, "But if the feelings of his son, who is a good friend of mine, are hurt, I apologise to him. The statement should not be seen politically."
The incident underscores the often-sensitive intersection of political discourse, personal legacy, and familial respect in Indian politics. Riteish Deshmukh's measured response, emphasizing the permanence of public service in people's hearts over political rhetoric, has resonated widely, turning a local political comment into a national conversation about dignity and legacy.
