Former Union Home Minister and Congress leader Shivraj Patil breathed his last at his residence ‘Devghar’ in Latur, Maharashtra, on Friday, December 12. He was 90.
Family sources told news agency PTI that Patil was suffering from an illness.
He is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, who is a BJP leader, and two granddaughters.
PM Modi, other leaders offer condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Patil in a post on X. He said, "Saddened by the passing of Shri Shivraj Patil Ji."
"He was an experienced leader, having served as MLA, MP, Union Minister, Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly as well as the Lok Sabha during his long years in public life," PM Modi said.
He added, "He was passionate about contributing to the welfare of society. I have had many interactions with him over the years, the most recent one being when he came to my residence a few months ago. My thoughts are with his family in this sad hour. Om Shanti."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said, "Saddened by the demise of former Union Minister Shri Shivraj Patil ji. He was a seasoned leader, who served the country in various capacities and made effective contributions towards India’s progress. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this sad hour. Om Shanti."
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also extended condolences over Patil's demise. He said, “I pray to god to give strength to the bereaved family. Shivraj Patil was a very disciplined leader. He was known for his mannerisms and was widely appreciated for his discipline.”
Who was Shivraj Patil?
Shivraj Patil was a Congress leader. He served as the Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008.
Patil was also the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political journey as municipal council chief of Latur and was elected as an MLA in the early 70s.
Later, he went on to win the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times. He lost to Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
Known for his dignified conduct, Patil never indulged in personal attacks, neither in public speeches nor in private conversations, said a party leader.
Patil was also known for his vast reading, meticulous study, and articulate presentation.
His command over Marathi, English, and Hindi, along with his exceptional grasp of constitutional matters, made him a much-respected parliamentarian of his time, added the party leader.
