Former five-time Maharashtra Legislative Council member and educationist BT Deshmukh died on Friday at the age of 87, his family said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari led tributes to the veteran legislator, remembering his contributions to education, regional development and his long-standing advocacy for teachers and professors.

Fadnavis Recalls Deshmukh as Mentor and Guide

In his condolence message, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Deshmukh as his guide and said he had personally benefited from his wisdom and experience.

“I personally learned a great deal from him. I always received his valuable guidance. He led a generation that believed politics and social work are one and the same,” Fadnavis said.

The chief minister noted that Deshmukh represented the Amravati Graduates’ constituency in the Legislative Council on five occasions and consistently raised issues concerning professors, teachers and various social causes.

Fadnavis said Deshmukh’s speeches in the Legislative Council continued to inspire younger members.

He also highlighted the former MLC’s efforts towards irrigation and drinking water projects and his contribution to the establishment of Amravati University.

“I offer him my heartfelt tribute,” Fadnavis said.

Gadkari Highlights Deshmukh’s Legislative Legacy

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also expressed grief over Deshmukh’s death and recalled their long association in the legislature.

“While working together for many years in the legislature, I shared a very close and friendly relationship with B T Deshmukh. As a long-time representative of the Teachers’ Constituency, Deshmukh fought hard for unaided schools, teachers and professors. He was known as a strong leader who gave voice to the problems of the education sector,” Gadkari said in a post on X.

He said Deshmukh’s well-researched speeches on the development challenges facing Vidarbha served as an inspiration for legislators.

Gadkari described Deshmukh as a scholar who upheld parliamentary traditions and worked consistently for the development of backward regions in Vidarbha and other parts of Maharashtra.

Long Career Marked by Advocacy for Education and Development

Deshmukh’s death prompted tributes from political leaders and colleagues who remembered his decades-long public life and his commitment to issues affecting teachers and the education sector.

He was also recognised for his efforts to address developmental concerns in Vidarbha and for championing irrigation and water-related projects.

His contributions to legislative debates and public life earned him respect across party lines and established him as one of Maharashtra’s prominent voices on education and regional development.

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