 "Veteran Congress leader Shivraj Patil passes away at 90 in Maharashtra")
Veteran Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday at his home in Latur, Maharashtra. He was 90. Patil died after a brief illness, reported PTI. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
He is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, who is a BJP leader, and two granddaughters.
Who was Shivraj Patil
Early political life
Born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur village in Maharashtra’s Latur district, Patil began his public life in local governance as the municipal council chief of Latur. He entered state politics soon after, serving two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1979.
During this period, he held several key responsibilities, including Deputy Minister for Law and Judiciary, Irrigation and Protocol, and later Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the state Assembly, according to a report by Times of India.
Entry into national politics
Patil entered national politics in 1980, winning the Latur Lok Sabha seat, which he went on to retain for seven consecutive terms until 2004.
In his early years in Parliament, he served on the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament, eventually becoming its chairperson.
Over the decades, Patil held a wide range of portfolios as Minister of State, working across Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Electronics, Space, Ocean Development, Personnel and Training, Civil Aviation, Tourism, and several other ministries.
He served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996 and later became Union Home Minister in the UPA government from 2004 to 2008.
He resigned after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, taking moral responsibility for the security lapses. From 2010 to 2015, he served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
His autobiography, Odyssey of My Life, documented his decades-long engagement with Indian public life.
Patil was known for his extensive reading, disciplined study habits, and articulate communication. His fluency in Marathi, English and Hindi, along with his deep understanding of constitutional affairs, made him one of the most respected parliamentarians of his generation.
Leaders express condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the passing of former Union minister Shivraj Patil, noting that he was deeply committed to public welfare.
“Saddened by the passing of Shri Shivraj Patil Ji. He was an experienced leader, having served as MLA, MP, Union Minister, and Speaker of both the Maharashtra Assembly and the Lok Sabha during his long years in public life,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the death of former Union minister Shivraj Patil, saying the country has lost a distinguished public figure. In a post on X, she said Patil, during his long public life, held several key positions, including Lok Sabha Speaker, Union minister, Governor and long-serving Member of Parliament. She extended her heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers and admirers. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences, writing on X: “The news of the demise of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil Ji is deeply heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the party. His dedication to public service and contributions to the nation will always be remembered. In this hour of grief, my heartfelt condolences go out to the Patil family, their well-wishers, and supporters.” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his condolences. He wrote," Deeply saddened by the passing of former Union Home Minister, former Lok Sabha Speaker and veteran Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil. He was a respected senior colleague with whom I shared a close bond and many cherished memories. A statesman of great dignity, Shri Patil served the nation with distinction, holding key constitutional and parliamentary responsibilities and making significant contributions to India’s democratic institutions. His demise is a profound loss for the Congress Party and for all who valued his integrity, calm demeanour and unwavering commitment to public service", Kharge wrote.