Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil Passes Away at 90

Congress Leader Shivraj Patil: Shivraj Patil, a senior Congressman and former home minister, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 90 at his home in Latur, Maharashtra. He had been ill for a few days and died at his house, Devghar, according to family members cited by sources. Saturday is the day of his funeral.

Patil, who rose to prominence in Indian politics, was born in Chakur village in the Latur district on October 12, 1935. From 1966 to 1970, he served as the Latur municipality’s president, which marked the beginning of his official career. He went on to hold significant positions in the Maharashtra legislative assembly for two sessions, serving as speaker and deputy speaker from 1977 to 1979.

Patil went into national politics after winning the Latur Lok Sabha seat in 1980. Up until 2004, he served seven terms in a row as the constituency’s representative. He presided over the Lok Sabha as its tenth speaker from 1991 to 1996. Rupatai Patil Nilangekar of the BJP defeated him in the 2004 Lok Sabha election, but he went on to serve in the Rajya Sabha. From 1980 until 1990, he also served on the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament, eventually rising to the position of chair.

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Throughout his lengthy career, Patil oversaw a number of important Union ministries, including science and technology, trade, and defense. From 2004 until 2008, he was India’s home minister; he resigned following the terror attacks in Mumbai. He served as administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh and governor of Punjab from 2010 to 2015. His son, Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, and two granddaughters survive Patil.

Leaders of all political persuasions expressed sorrow at his passing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over Patil’s passing and characterized him as a seasoned leader committed to the common good. Rahul Gandhi described Patil’s death as a “irreparable loss” to the party and recalled his long-standing contribution to the country, while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described him as a statesman who built democratic institutions.