Maharashtra BJP Chief Ravindra Chavan’s remarks on former state Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has evoked a sharp reaction from the late Congress leader’s sons Riteish and Amit Deshmukh.
Addressing an election rally in Latur on Monday, Chavan had said that memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh will be wiped out from Latur. “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,” he added.
Riteish and Amit Deshmukh slam Chavan’s remarks
Reacting to the BJP leader’s remarks, Riteish issued a video statement, saying his father’s name is etched on the minds of the people. “What is written can be erased, but you can’t erase what is etched.”
Amit Deshmukh, former state minister and Congress leader, also slammed Chavan’s statement, saying it shows the level of politics the BJP has resorted to in the elections.
“This is neither the culture of Latur nor of Maharashtra, and he should have been mindful of that. I strongly condemn his statement. Similar condemnation is being seen from across Maharashtra as well,” Amit told reporters.
He further added that during the tenure of the present state government, incidents have occurred during elections ranging from threatening voters and offering monetary inducements to candidates, to even abducting candidates, kidnapping, murder and violence. “Such an identity has never been associated with Maharashtra’s politics. Is the Bharatiya Janata Party trying to create this as Maharashtra’s new political identity,” he asked.
Chavan apologises to Deshmukh family
Following the backlash from the Deshmukh family, Chavan tendered an apology with a clarification of his remark.
“What I meant by my the statement was that the Congress still has to seek votes in Latur by invoking the work done during Vilasrao Deshmukh’s time. Under the leadership of Modiji at the Centre and Devendraji in the state, Latur is on a path of development. However, if the Deshmukh family’s sentiments have been hurt, I express my apology,” he said.