(Image source from: Nationalheraldindia.com)
Former Union Home Minister and prominent Congress member Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday at 90 years old. The experienced politician had been ill for a while and died in his residence in Latur, Maharashtra. He is mourned by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, and two granddaughters.
Patil was the Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 during the UPA government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He held this role when the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks occurred, leading him to resign afterward. Earlier, he was the Speaker of the 10th Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. Additionally, he served as the Governor of Punjab and the Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences about Patil’s passing. He said, “I am saddened by the loss of Shri Shivraj Patil Ji. He was a knowledgeable leader, having held roles as an MLA, MP, Union Minister, and Speaker of both the Maharashtra Assembly and the Lok Sabha during his lengthy career in politics.” He continued, “He cared deeply about helping society. I had many conversations with him over the years, the latest when he visited my home a few months ago. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Om Shanti.” Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also shared her sorrow regarding the senior leader's death. She noted, “Hearing about the passing of Congress’s senior leader, former Union Home Minister, and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Shivraj Patil Ji is truly heartbreaking. May God bring peace to his soul. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. Shri Patil Ji was responsible for many important departments, including the Ministry of Defence, and dedicated decades to serving the public. His loss is irreplaceable for the Congress family,” she posted on X.
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… pic.twitter.com/muabyf7Va8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2025
Born on October 12, 1935, in Latur, Maharashtra, Patil started his political career after graduating with a science degree from Osmania University and earning a law degree from Mumbai University. He began as a municipal council leader in Latur and soon entered state politics, winning his first election in 1972 from Latur. He solidified his political influence by winning re-election from the same constituency in 1978. Throughout his political journey in Maharashtra, Patil took on several roles, including Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Deputy Minister of Law.
कांग्रेस के वरिष्ठ नेता, पूर्व केंद्रीय गृह मंत्री एवं पूर्व लोकसभा अध्यक्ष श्री शिवराज पाटिल जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है।
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 12, 2025
ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें। शोक-संतप्त परिजनों एवं शुभचिंतकों के प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं।
श्री पाटिल जी ने रक्षा मंत्रालय समेत कई…
In 1980, Patil won his first Lok Sabha election representing the Latur area. This was just the beginning of a series of seven wins in a row – in the years 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999. His winning run ended in 2004 when he was defeated by Rupatai Patil Nilangekar from the BJP.
At the national level, he took on various roles and responsibilities. He was the Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982, then worked in the Commerce Ministry from 1982 to 1983. He was also involved with Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space, and Ocean Development from 1983 to 1984, and served as the Minister for Personnel and Defence Production during Rajiv Gandhi's administration. Following his passing, Ajit Pawar, who was the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, remarked that his death was a significant loss for someone who was cultured and highly educated.
