Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil (91) Passes Away; PM Modi and Top Leaders Express Grief
Shivraj Patil passes away: India has lost a prominent political figure. Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday morning at the age of 91. He breathed his last at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra, after battling age-related health issues.
Shivraj Patil, a towering presence in Maharashtra politics and a key Congress leader, leaves behind a long and impactful legacy. His passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader Rahul Gandhi, and several senior leaders from both Congress and BJP expressed deep sorrow over his demise.
A Stalwart of Indian Politics
In his extensive political career, Shivraj Patil won seven consecutive Lok Sabha elections from Latur between 1980 and 2004. He also served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly before rising to national prominence.
Key Roles Held by Shivraj Patil:
Union Home Minister (2004–2008)
10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1991–1996)
Governor of Punjab
Administrator of Chandigarh (2010–2015)
Governor of Rajasthan
Resignation After 2008 Mumbai Attacks
Shivraj Patil was serving as the Union Home Minister during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Following widespread criticism over security lapses, he stepped down, accepting moral responsibility for the incident. His resignation remains one of the defining moments of his political career.
Rooted in Latur: The Beginning of a Long Journey
Born on 12 October 1935 in Chakur village (then Hyderabad State, now Maharashtra), Shivraj Patil began his political journey at the Latur Municipal Council.
He completed his science degree from Osmania University and later studied law at the University of Bombay.
He married Vijaya Patil in 1963 and the couple had two children. His daughter-in-law, Dr. Archana Patil, is also active in public life.
Two-Time MLA, Seven-Time MP
Before moving to national politics, Patil served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (1973–1980). He later became one of the most successful parliamentarians from Maharashtra, winning seven consecutive Lok Sabha elections.
His only Lok Sabha defeat came in 2004, when he lost the Latur seat after contesting for the eighth time.
A Legacy That Shaped Maharashtra and National Politics
Shivraj Patil’s contribution to Parliament, national security, and Maharashtra’s political landscape remains significant. His demise marks the end of an era for the Congress party and the Latur region, where he played a pivotal role for decades.
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