Veteran Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his home in Latur, Maharashtra, at the age of 90. He died on Friday morning after a brief illness, according to family members. He is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana (a BJP leader), and two granddaughters.
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Patil, who served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Home Minister during his long political career, died around 6:30 am while receiving home care for a prolonged illness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the death of Patil, praising him as a leader 'dedicated to the betterment of society.' 'I am saddened by the demise of Shri Shivraj Patil Ji. He was a seasoned leader, having held positions as MLA, MP, Union Minister, and Speaker of both the Maharashtra Assembly and the Lok Sabha throughout his extensive public service,' PM Modi wrote on X.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh offered his sympathies, noting that Patil was an experienced leader who served the country in various roles and made substantial contributions to India's development. "My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this sad hour." Om Shanti he added.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur village, Latur district, Maharashtra, Shivraj Patil began his political journey at the local level before rising to become one of India’s most seasoned parliamentarians. His public career started as the municipal council chief of Latur, and he went on to serve two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly between 1972 and 1979.
During this time, he held significant roles, including Deputy Minister for Law and Judiciary, Irrigation and Protocol, as well as Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the state Assembly.
Patil entered national politics in 1980, winning the Latur Lok Sabha seat and retaining it for seven consecutive terms until 2004. He held key ministerial roles in Defence, Commerce, Science, Electronics, Space, and more. Serving as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1991–1996), he became Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008, resigning after the 26/11 attacks. From 2010 to 2015, he served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.
1980: Elected to Latur Lok Sabha seat; re-elected for seven consecutive terms until 2004.
Chairperson: Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament.
Minister of State: Held portfolios across Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Electronics, Space, Ocean Development, Personnel and Training, Civil Aviation, and Tourism.
1991–1996: Served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
2004–2008: Union Home Minister in the UPA government.
2010–2015: Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.
