Statesman Of Great Dignity, Irreparable Loss: Congress Condoles Patil’s Demise
New Delhi: As the Congress on Friday condoled the death of senior party leader Shivraj Patil, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge hailed him as a statesman of great honor who served the nation with distinction. Senior Congress leader and former Union home minister Shivraj Patil breathed his last at his home in Latur, Maharashtra, on Friday morning after a short illness, family sources said. He was 90 years old.
It was stated that his funeral is expected to be buried on Saturday.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of former Union Home Minister, Former Lok Sabha Speaker and senior Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil. He was an honored senior colleague with whom I shared a close bond and many precious memories,” Kharge said. he said.
“A statesman of great stature, Shri Patil served the nation with distinction, assumed important Constitutional and Parliamentary responsibilities and made significant contributions to the Democratic institutions of India,” the Congress chief said. he said.
“His death is a profound loss to the Congress Party and all those who admired his integrity, composure and commitment to public service,” Kharge said. he said.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also condoled Patil’s death.
“The news of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Shivraj Patil ji’s demise is deeply saddening and an irreparable loss to the party. His dedication to public service and contributions to the nation will always be remembered,” Gandhi said in a Hindi post on channel X.
“I offer my condolences to the entire Patil family, his well-wishers and supporters at this time of grief,” Gandhi said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the news of Patil’s demise was deeply saddening.
In a post in Hindi on
Priyanka Gandhi said, “I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless supporters. May they give them strength during this difficult time and may his soul rest in peace.” he said.
Congress general secretary organization KC Venugopal remembered Patil as a talented administrator who left a lasting impact on the country.
“We have lost a strong member of the Congress Party, loved by all parties for his dedication, humility and excellence in public service. May his family and well-wishers find the strength to bear this loss. He will be fondly remembered in times to come. Om Shanti,” he said.
Patil is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana and two grandchildren.
Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political journey as the mayor of Latur municipality between 1966 and 1970, after which he was elected as an MLA for two terms. Between 1977 and 1979, he held important positions in the Maharashtra Assembly, including deputy speaker and speaker.
He later won the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times and became the 10th speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He lost to BJP’s Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. He also served as a Rajya Sabha member.
The Congress leader held various Union government portfolios, including defence, commerce, science and technology. Patil was the Union home minister from 2004 to 2008, when he resigned following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
He was the governor of Punjab and also served as the administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
