Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the BJP respects former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh's significant contributions to the state, despite political opposition to the Congress. This statement follows controversy over state BJP chief Ravindra Chavan's remarks about erasing Deshmukh's memory from his hometown, Latur. Chavan has since apologized for his comments, which drew sharp reactions from the Congress and Deshmukh's son, Riteish Deshmukh. Fadnavis emphasized Deshmukh's respected status across party lines for his role in Maharashtra's development.