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Actor Riteish Deshmukh on Tuesday hit back at Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan for his remarks about the legacy of Riteish’s late father and former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, saying a public leader’s imprint cannot be erased.

Reacting in a video statement, the 47-year-old actor 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."

Chavan had made the statement while addressing party workers at an election rally in Latur on Monday, saying, “On seeing your enthusiasm, (I can say) 100 per cent that the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh would be wiped out from this city (Latur).”

The remarks drew sharp criticism from the Congress, which accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the contributions of a leader who served the state as chief minister twice.

Riteish’s brother and Congress leader Amit Deshmukh also condemned the BJP leader’s comments, calling them “extremely unfortunate and deeply distressing,” and said such remarks had hurt sentiments in Latur, adding that the former CM’s memories remain deeply rooted in the city.

Following the backlash, Chavan issued an apology, saying his comments were not intended as a political attack and 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),” he said.

Chavan also acknowledged Vilasrao Deshmukh’s stature and said he regretted hurting Riteish’s sentiments. “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,” he told reporters.

Vilasrao Deshmukh served as Maharashtra chief minister from October 1999 to January 2003 and again from November 2004 to December 2008.

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