Maharashtra: BJP State Chief Ravindra Chavan Expresses Regret Over Remarks on Vilasrao Deshmukh

Mumbai, 7th January 2026: Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan on Tuesday sought to defuse the controversy surrounding his recent remarks on former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, expressing regret and clarifying that his comments were misconstrued in the political context of the Latur elections.

Addressing reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chavan said he had no intention of criticising the late leader. “Amit Deshmukh is a close friend of mine. If my statement has hurt his sentiments or those of the Deshmukh family, I sincerely apologise,” he said.

Chavan emphasised that he held Vilasrao Deshmukh in high regard and denied making any derogatory comments about the former chief minister. “Vilasrao Deshmukh was a respected leader who served Maharashtra with distinction as chief minister,” he said. At the same time, Chavan alleged that the Congress campaign in Latur was being conducted largely in the name of Deshmukh’s legacy rather than on current issues.

The remarks drew a sharp reaction from the Congress. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised Chavan, stating that Vilasrao Deshmukh’s contribution and memory in Latur could not be erased by political statements.