Riteish Deshmukh Reacts After BJP Leader’s Controversial Remark on Vilasrao Deshmukh

Actor Riteish Deshmukh released a video on social media on 6 January 2026, responding to remarks about late former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Visibly emotional, Riteish 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 cannot erase what is etched."

The controversy began a day earlier, when Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan addressed party workers in Latur, Vilasrao Deshmukh's hometown. Referring to the late Congress leader's influence, Chavan told the gathering, "On seeing your enthusiasm, (I can say) 100 per cent that the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh would be wiped out from this city (Latur)," triggering an immediate political backlash.

Riteish Deshmukh video reaction and political fallout

Riteish Deshmukh, who is 47 years old, recorded the social media message after hearing Chavan's comments about Vilasrao Deshmukh. The actor did not name any political party in the video, but the statement clearly defended Vilasrao Deshmukh's memory. Riteish framed the debate as one about public respect for leaders who, in his view, worked for citizens.

The Maharashtra Congress quickly reacted to Ravindra Chavan's line about wiping out memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh. In a statement from Mumbai, the party said no force could remove Vilasrao Deshmukh from Latur's collective memory. Congress leaders claimed that similar attempts had been made earlier, but people from the district had, according to them, firmly rejected such efforts.

Riteish Deshmukh, Congress response and Vilasrao legacy

In its statement, the Congress argued that Vilasrao Deshmukh gave Latur national prominence and spent his entire life working on the area's progress. The party accused visiting BJP leaders of speaking carelessly in Latur, blaming what it called an "intoxication of power" for the language used. It also alleged that these comments displayed disrespect for local public sentiment.

The party further questioned whether the BJP leadership fully understood Vilasrao Deshmukh's place in Latur's political and social life. Congress leaders said such figures were unaware of the close relationship Vilasrao Deshmukh had built with people in the district. They asserted that residents would never accept any insult to their "capable and illustrious son" and would answer such remarks strongly.

Riteish Deshmukh controversy, apology and key details

Vilasrao Deshmukh, who came from Latur, served twice as chief minister of Maharashtra. Within the state, Vilasrao Deshmukh is often recalled for work linked to infrastructure and regional development. This long association with Latur formed the backdrop to the intense reaction when Ravindra Chavan suggested that memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh could be erased from the city.

As criticism grew, Ravindra Chavan later expressed regret over how his statement was received. Explaining his stand, 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). 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." Chavan also insisted that his comments were meant to highlight development issues.

The exchange among Riteish Deshmukh, Congress and Ravindra Chavan has underlined how Vilasrao Deshmukh's legacy still shapes politics in Latur. With local body elections centred on civic issues, the dispute has shifted attention to how parties invoke leaders from the past, as supporters continue to contest how those leaders are remembered.