Hundreds of mourners gathered in Amravati on Saturday evening to bid a tearful farewell to veteran legislator and academician Prof BT Deshmukh, whose last rites were performed with full state honours at the Hindu Smashan Bhoomi. The five-time Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) died after suffering a cardiac arrest on Friday evening.
Procession and Cremation
The funeral procession began from his residence in Vidyut Colony at around 5pm and reached the crematorium at approximately 6.30pm. A solemn atmosphere prevailed as hundreds lined the route to pay their final respects. Party workers, admirers, and well-wishers from across Vidarbha gathered in large numbers to honour the leader widely regarded as a mentor and guiding force for generations.
At the crematorium, senior administrative and police officials paid their respects by laying wreaths. Divisional commissioner Nayna Munde, collector Ashish Yerekar, commissioner of police Rakesh Ola, and superintendent of police (rural) Aniket Kadam were among those present. Minister Sanjay Rathod laid a wreath on behalf of the Maharashtra government. As part of the state honours, a 10-member police contingent fired three ceremonial rounds.
Family and Dignitaries
Prof Deshmukh's younger daughter, Dr Deepa Lad, who also shouldered the bier during the funeral procession, lit the pyre in the presence of her mother and elder sister, Vaishali Wankhade. Other family members, including his brothers and close relatives, were also present. The cremation was attended by a large cross-section of society, reflecting Prof Deshmukh's influence in education and politics.
Among those present were former MLCs Shrikant Deshpande and Jagdish Gupta, former minister Vasant Purke, Dr Sunil Deshmukh, Yuva Swabhiman Party leader Sunil Rana, deputy mayor Sachin Bhende, and former MP Anant Gudhe.
Academics and Community
Several senior academics attended the funeral, including former pro-vice-chancellor Rajesh Jaipurkar, former registrars Tushar Deshmukh, PS Narkhede, and Ambadas Mohite, along with principals, lecturers, and professors from colleges across the region. The turnout underscored his lasting impact on both educational and political spheres in Vidarbha.
