Former Lok Sabha Speaker and senior Congress leader Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday morning at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra. He was 90. Patil had been unwell for the last few days and breathed his last at his home “Devghar,” according to family members. His funeral is expected to take place on Saturday.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur village of Latur, Patil was regarded as one of the most dignified and experienced parliamentarians of his generation. His political journey began at the grassroots level when he served as president of the Latur municipality from 1966 to 1970. He later won two terms as an MLA in the Maharashtra Assembly, where he also held important positions, including deputy speaker and speaker between 1977 and 1979.
Patil entered national politics when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Latur in 1980. Over the next two decades, he represented the constituency for seven consecutive terms. He served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. Though he lost the 2004 Lok Sabha election, he went on to hold several crucial Union portfolios, including defence, commerce, science & technology, and notably served as the Union home minister from 2004 to 2008. He resigned from the post after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Between 2010 and 2015, Patil was the governor of Punjab and administrator of Chandigarh.
Political leaders across party lines paid tribute to the veteran leader. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “saddened” by Patil’s demise and remembered their interactions over the years. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described him as a statesman who strengthened democratic institutions, while Rahul Gandhi called his passing an “irreparable loss” for the party.
Patil is survived by his son Shailesh, daughter-in-law Archana, and two granddaughters. His death marks the end of an era in Indian parliamentary politics.
