Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) said that although the BJP fights against the Congress, it respects former CM late Vilasrao Deshmukh as he played an important role in the making of the State.
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His statement comes in the wake of a controversy over State BJP chief Ravindra Chavan's recent remarks that the memories of Vilasrao Deshmukh would be "wiped out" from his hometown Latur.
After his remarks made on Monday (January 5) drew sharp reactions from the Congress and emotional response from the former Chief Minister's son and Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh, Mr. Chavan on Tuesday (January 6) apologised.
Addressing the 'Vijay Sankalp Sabha' rally in Latur ahead of the January 15 municipal elections, Mr. Fadnavis said, "Latur has given several big leaders to Maharashtra, including (former Union Home Minister late) Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, (former CM late) Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar. Chakurkar served as the Municipal Council chief of Latur and went on to become Lok Sabha Speaker, which is a rare example." Former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, who gave a different identity to Latur, is another such name that is respected beyond the barriers of political parties. His name is key among the leaders who played an important role in the making of Maharashtra, the CM added.
