Veteran Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025. He was 90 years old and died at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra, after a brief illness.
Shivraj Patil’s death marks the end of a political career spanning over four decades. Family sources confirmed the news, which led to an outpouring of grief from political leaders across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent figures expressed their condolences, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian politics.
A Four-Decade Political Journey
Shivraj Patil began his political career in local government in Latur. He later served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1979, where he held roles as Deputy Minister and Speaker.
In 1980, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Latur and served seven consecutive terms. During this time, he held several Minister of State portfolios under Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, including Defence, Commerce, and Science and Technology.
Patil’s expertise in constitutional matters earned him respect across party lines. He also served as a Rajya Sabha member in 2004, further solidifying his reputation as a dedicated parliamentarian.
Who Was Shivraj Patil?
Born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur, Latur district, Shivraj Patil was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. He held degrees in Science and Law and was known for his commitment to parliamentary decorum.
Patil served as the tenth Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. During his tenure, he introduced significant reforms, including the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 1992 and the live telecasting of Lok Sabha proceedings.
From 2004 to 2008, he served as Union Home Minister. After resigning in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, he became the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Key Contributions and Challenges
As Lok Sabha Speaker, Shivraj Patil modernized parliamentary practices. He introduced computerization of records and brought Parliament closer to the public.
As Home Minister, he faced challenges related to internal security. His tenure ended after the 26/11 attacks, when he resigned, taking moral responsibility for the security lapses. This decision remains a significant moment in his career, reflecting his accountability in public office.
Nation Mourns the Loss
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Shivraj Patil, acknowledging his extensive service to the nation. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders also expressed their grief, highlighting his contributions to parliamentary democracy.
Leaders from various political parties remembered him as a statesman with deep constitutional knowledge. In Maharashtra, his early contributions to state politics were fondly recalled.
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