Veteran Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his residence in Latur on Friday morning. He was 90. According to family sources, Patil had been unwell for the past few days.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur village of Maharashtra’s Latur district, Shivraj Patil was regarded as a towering figure in Indian politics. His public life, spanning more than four decades, was marked by significant contributions to the Lok Sabha, the Union government, and the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Patil entered national politics in 1980, winning his first election to the 7th Lok Sabha. He went on to retain his seat for seven consecutive terms until 2004, a testament to his influence and popularity.
A Distinguished Parliamentary Career
A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Patil served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha, where he earned recognition for his leadership and parliamentary stewardship. Over the years, he handled several key responsibilities across ministries, including:
-
Defence
-
Commerce
-
Science and Technology
-
Atomic Energy
-
Electronics
-
Space and Ocean Development
-
Biotechnology
-
Personnel and Training
-
Public Grievances and Pensions
-
Administrative Reforms
-
Defence Production
-
Civil Aviation
-
Tourism
During the 1980–1990 period, he also served on the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament, eventually becoming its Chairperson.
Union Home Minister and Later Roles
Patil held office as the Union Minister of Home Affairs between 2004 and 2008. Following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, he resigned on November 30, 2008, taking moral responsibility for security lapses.
Between 2010 and 2015, he served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, extending his contribution to governance and public administration.
He is also credited with introducing the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, designed to honour exemplary performance within Parliament.
Early Political Journey in Maharashtra
Before rising to national prominence, Patil was elected twice to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (1972–1979). He held important positions including:
-
Chairman, Public Undertakings Committee
-
Deputy Minister for Law and Judiciary, Irrigation, and Protocol
-
Deputy Speaker
-
Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
Shivraj Patil leaves behind a legacy defined by public service, parliamentary leadership, and a lifelong commitment to democratic values.
