Veteran Congress leader breathes his last in hometown Latur today.
The Indian political landscape bid farewell to a veteran statesman on Friday, as former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil breathed his last. The senior Congress leader, who had been battling a brief illness, died at his residence in his hometown of Latur, Maharashtra. He was 90.
Patil's demise marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian parliamentary history. A stalwart of the Congress party, he enjoyed a prolific career that spanned decades, during which he represented the Latur constituency in the Lok Sabha on seven separate occasions. His journey in public service was comprehensive, rising from the grassroots level to occupying some of the highest offices in the nation.
Born into a life of public service, Patil's political career began at the local level as the chief of the Latur Municipal Council. By the early 1970s, he had transitioned to state politics as an MLA, setting the stage for his entry onto the national platform. His administrative capabilities saw him handle several crucial portfolios in the Union Cabinet over the years.
Most notably, Shivraj Patil served as the Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008. Prior to that, he held the prestigious position of the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha between 1991 and 1996, where he was widely respected for his knowledge of parliamentary procedures. In his later years, specifically from 2010 to 2015, he took on gubernatorial responsibilities as the Governor of Punjab and the Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Beyond his political titles, Patil was revered by peers across party lines for his scholarly approach to governance. Known for his calm temperament and dignified conduct, he was a constitutional expert who could articulate complex issues with clarity. His fluency in Marathi, Hindi, and English allowed him to connect with a broad spectrum of people and leaders.
He is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, his daughter-in-law Archana - who is a BJP leader - and two granddaughters. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the political spectrum, honoring a man who dedicated his life to the constitutional framework of India.
