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New Delhi: Actor Riteish Deshmukh responded to Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan's remarks about his late father and former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, saying that one cannot erase what is etched.
Recently, Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan attacked former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, and now actor Riteish Deshmukh has responded to it.
The BJP leader, during an election rally in Latur on Monday, said, "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."
The actor, with folded hands, said in an emotional video 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."
Congress has attacked Chavan and the BJP over the comments, accusing the latter of belittling a leader who dedicated his life to the development of Maharashtra. It added that the BJP leader's statements reflect not just his ignorance of Deshmukh's legacy, but also the arrogance of power. It further said that Deshmukh's memories from Latur cannot be erased, as "many came with such intentions, but the self-respecting people of Latur showed them their place."
Former Congress minister and Riteish's brother Amit Deshmukh called Chavan's remarks "extremely unfortunate and deeply distressing". He also said, "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."
He added, "These memories cannot be erased simply because an outsider comes and makes remarks to that effect. BJP leaders should have been mindful of this reality."
According to news agency PTI, Chavan said, "Civic amenities should be the focus of these local body elections. Who will address these issues in a faster manner is important. I have not criticised Vilasrao Deshmukh in my statement. But the Congress is demanding votes in the name of Vilasrao Deshmukh there (in Latur)."
He reportedly called Vilasrao Deshmukh a big leader and said, "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," urging people of Latur to prioritise development.
