Former Union minister Shivraj Patil passes away; Modi, Kharge, others express grief

Latur: Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra, after a brief illness, family sources told PTI.

His funeral is expected to be held on Saturday, they said.

The 90-year-old Senior Congress leader was a former Speaker of the Lok Sabha and held key portfolios in the Union cabinet. Patil had won the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times.

Several prominent figures took to social media, expressing their grief in his demise.

President Droupadi Murmu condoled the death, saying the country has lost a prominent public figure.

"In the demise of senior political leader Shri Shivraj Patil Ji, we have lost a prominent public figure. During his long public life, he held many important positions, including those of Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Minister, Governor and a longstanding Member of Parliament. My heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers and admirers," Murmu said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow, saying that Patil was passionate about contributing to society's welfare.

"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," Modi said in a post on X.

The Congress condoled the death of the veteran party leader, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge hailing him as a statesman of great dignity who served the nation with distinction.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of former Union Home Minister, Former Lok Sabha Speaker and veteran Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil. He was an honoured senior colleague with whom I shared a close bond and many cherished memories," Kharge said.

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also expressed his grief over Patil's death. 

"The news of the passing of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Shivraj Patil ji is deeply saddening and an irreparable loss to the party. His dedication to public service and his contributions to the nation will always be remembered," Gandhi said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the news of Patil's passing is deeply saddening.

"May God grant peace to the departed soul. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and well-wishers. Shri Patil ji held responsibility for several important departments, including the Ministry of Defence, and served the public for decades. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Congress family," she said in a post on X.

Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political journey as president of the Latur municipality from 1966 to 1970 and was subsequently elected as an MLA for two terms. He held key posts in the Maharashtra Assembly, including those of deputy speaker and speaker, between 1977 and 1979.

He then went on to win the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times and became the 10th speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He lost to BJP's Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. He also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

The Congress leader held several Union government portfolios, including defence, commerce, and science and technology. Patil was the Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008, when he resigned after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

He was the governor of Punjab and also served as the administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

Patil is survived by his son, Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law, Archana, and two granddaughters.