Congress leader and former Home minister Shivraj Patil passes away in Latur, President, PM condole death

LATUR (Maharashtra): Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his residence in Latur on Friday morning. He was 90. Patil breathed his last at his home earlier in the day. He had been ill for the past few days.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep sorrow and support to the family of the late Congress leader, following his demise at the age of 90. Taking to X, the President paid tribute to Patil, recalling that he held various positions of power throughout his political career.

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 longstanding Member of Parliament. My heartfelt…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 12, 2025

“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 longstanding Member of Parliament. My heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers and admirers”, she wrote on X.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his sorrow at the passing of the senior Congress leader, remembered Patil as an experienced leader who dedicated his life to public service and the welfare of society.

श्री शिवराज पाटील जी यांच्या निधनाने दुःख झाले आहे. ते एक अनुभवी नेते होते. सार्वजनिक जीवनातील आपल्या प्रदीर्घ कारकिर्दीत त्यांनी आमदार, खासदार, केंद्रीय मंत्री, महाराष्ट्र विधानसभेचे तसेच लोकसभेचे अध्यक्ष म्हणून काम केले. समाजाच्या कल्याणासाठी योगदान देण्याच्या ध्येयाने ते… pic.twitter.com/aqQVerLnhn

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2025

Taking to X, PM Modi 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. He was passionate about contributing to the welfare of society”.

Recalling his most recent meeting with Patil, PM Modi added, “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”.

The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief on the demise of Congress leader Shivraj Patil, calling it an “irreparable loss” to the party.

पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री और वरिष्ठ कांग्रेस नेता शिवराज पाटिल जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है और पार्टी के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है।

जनसेवा के प्रति उनका समर्पण, राष्ट्र के लिए उनके योगदान हमेशा याद किए जाएंगे।

इस दुख की घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं पूरे पाटिल परिवार, उनके…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 12, 2025

Taking to X, he wrote, “The news of the demise of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil ji is extremely heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the party…His dedication to public service and his contributions to the nation will always be remembered…In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the entire Patil family, their well-wishers, and supporters.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday expressed grief on the demise of Congress leader and former Union Minister Shivraj Patil. He reflected upon his legacy and said that he was a cherished member of the Congress party, with whom Kharge shared a strong connection.

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.

A statesman of great dignity, Shri Patil served… pic.twitter.com/oXwDGNcIvm

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 12, 2025

Taking to X, he wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of former Union Home Minister, Former Lok Sabha Speaker and veteran Congress leader Shivraj Patil. He was an honoured senior colleague with whom I shared a close bond and many cherished memories…”

Kharge further expressed condolences to the family and well-wishers of the deceased, underlining that Patil held important responsibilities with great dignity and contributed significantly to the nation. “A statesman of great dignity, Patil served the nation with distinction, holding key Constitutional and Parliamentary responsibilities and contributing significantly to India’s Democratic institutions…” he said.

“His demise is a profound loss for the Congress Party and for all who admired his integrity, composure and commitment to public service… My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless supporters. May they find strength in this difficult hour, and may his soul rest in peace,” he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his deep condolences on the passing of senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, remembering him as a leader with vast knowledge of public affairs. In a post on X, the Union Minister also conveyed his condolences to Shivraj Patil’s family members and well-wishers.

“Saddened by the demise of former Union Minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar Ji. With a career spanning several decades, Patil Ji was known for his vast knowledge of public affairs and his dedicated service. Heartfelt condolences to his family members and well-wishers,” Shah wrote on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday expressed grief over the demise of senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, recalling his service to the country in various capacities and his “contributions towards India’s progress”.

Taking to X, Singh wrote, “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.”

Shivraj Patil was born on October 12, 1935, in the village of Chakur in the Latur district, Maharashtra and was a towering figure in Indian politics, remembered for his long and distinguished career marked by several key responsibilities in Parliament, the Union government and state legislatures.

A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, he served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha and held numerous significant positions over more than four decades in public life. Patil entered national politics in 1980 when he was first elected to the 7th Lok Sabha, and went on to retain the seat for seven consecutive terms until 2004.

During the 1980-1990 period, he served on the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament, later becoming its Chairperson. His tenure in Parliament was marked by extensive work across ministries, serving as Minister of State for a wide range of departments, including Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space and Ocean Development, Bio-Technology, Personnel and Training, Public Grievances and Pensions, Administrative Reforms, Defence Production, Civil Aviation, and Tourism.

In addition to his role as a MP, he was appointed Union Minister of Home Affairs (2004-2008). Following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, he gave his resignation on November 30, 2008, taking moral responsibility for the security lapses.

Between 2010 and 2015, Patil served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, further extending his contribution to public administration. He is also credited with introducing the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, a recognition aimed at honouring exemplary parliamentary performance.

Before rising to prominence in national politics, Patil was a two-term member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (1972-1979), during which he held important positions including Chairman of the Public Undertakings Committee, Deputy Minister for Law and Judiciary, Irrigation, and Protocol, and later Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. (ANI)