‘What Is Etched Cannot Be Erased’: Riteish Deshmukh Hits Back After BJP Leader’s Remark On Vilasrao Deshmukh | Politics News

File photo of actor Riteish Desmukh (Photo Credit: X)

Actor Riteish Deshmukh on Tuesday responded strongly to remarks made by Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan about his late father and former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, saying that no one can erase a legacy built on public service. Riteish said that while words written on paper can be removed, the impact of leaders who lived for the people remains permanently etched in their minds.

Addressing an election rally in Latur, Chavan claimed that the BJP’s momentum in the region signalled a shift in political sentiment and suggested that the influence of Vilasrao Deshmukh no longer held sway in the city, according to HT.

“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,” Chavan said, reported HT.

Reacting in an emotional video message, Riteish Deshmukh said, “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.” His response quickly drew attention across political circles in Maharashtra.

Chavan’s comments also triggered a sharp reaction from the Congress, which accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to the development of Maharashtra. The party said such statements reflected arrogance and a lack of respect for Vilasrao Deshmukh’s contribution to the state.

The Congress further asserted that no leader had the stature to erase Vilasrao Deshmukh’s memory from Latur, adding that past attempts to do so had failed, HT reported. “Many came with such intentions, but the self-respecting people of Latur showed them their place,” the party said, questioning what BJP leaders understood about the bond Deshmukh shared with his hometown.

Warning of political consequences, the Congress said the people of Latur would never tolerate any insult to their “capable and illustrious son” and would respond firmly. Vilasrao Deshmukh served as Maharashtra’s chief minister twice — from October 1999 to January 2003 and again from November 2004 to December 2008 — and remains one of the Congress party’s most influential leaders in the state.