Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan on Tuesday said his remarks about “erasing” memories of former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh were not politically motivated and apologised to the late leader’s son if his comments had caused any hurt.

Ahead of the Latur civic polls scheduled on January 15, Chavan on Monday had said the memories of the late Congress stalwart would be “wiped out” from his hometown Latur, triggering sharp criticism from the Congress.

Responding to the controversy, Chavan said his comments were being misconstrued and insisted that civic issues should remain the focus of local body elections.

“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),” Chavan told reporters here.

He acknowledged Deshmukh’s stature, saying, “Vilasrao Deshmukh was a big leader and served as chief minister. 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.”

Asked whether he was apologising to the people of Latur, Chavan declined to respond.

Addressing party workers in Latur on Monday, Chavan had said, “On seeing your enthusiasm, I can say with 100 per cent certainty that the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh will be wiped out from this city.”

Vilasrao Deshmukh, a two-time chief minister of Maharashtra, hailed from Latur and is widely remembered for his contribution to the development of the region.

His son and Congress leader Amit Deshmukh strongly condemned Chavan’s remarks, calling them “extremely unfortunate and deeply distressing”.

“Such remarks were not expected from him or from the BJP. They have hurt the sentiments of all Laturkars,” Amit Deshmukh said, adding that his father’s memories were deeply etched in the hearts of the people.

“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,” he said.

Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh also reacted emotionally, saying his father’s name could not be erased.

“In folded hands, I say that the names of those who lived for the people are etched in their hearts. What is written can be erased, but you cannot erase what is etched,” he said in a video statement.

The Congress also hit out at Chavan, accusing the BJP of arrogance and ignorance of Deshmukh’s legacy.

In a statement, the party said no one had emerged who could erase the former chief minister’s memories from Latur.

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“Many came with such intentions, but the self-respecting people of Latur showed them their place,” the Congress said, warning that voters would not tolerate any insult to their “capable and illustrious son”.