Rahul Gandhi Mourns Former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil's Death: A Distinguished Political Career Remembered

Shivraj Patil was 90 at the time of his death.

New Delhi:

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed profound grief on Friday over the passing of veteran Congress leader Shivraj Patil, describing it as an "irreparable loss" to the party. Gandhi remembered Patil's lifelong dedication to public service and his significant contributions to the nation, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Taking to social media platform X, Gandhi wrote, "The news of the demise of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil ji is extremely heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the party... His dedication to public service and his contributions to the nation will always be remembered... In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the entire Patil family, their well-wishers, and supporters."

Earlier today, former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his residence in Latur. At the age of 90, he breathed his last at home after being unwell for several days.

Born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur village in Maharashtra's Latur district, Shivraj Patil emerged as a towering figure in Indian politics. His distinguished career spanning over four decades included key responsibilities in Parliament, the Union government, and state legislatures.

A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Patil served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha and held numerous significant positions throughout his public life. His national political journey began in 1980 when he was first elected to the 7th Lok Sabha, subsequently winning the seat for seven consecutive terms until 2004.

During the 1980-1990 period, he served on the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament, eventually becoming its Chairperson. His parliamentary career was characterized by extensive ministerial experience across various departments, including Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space and Ocean Development, Bio-Technology, Personnel and Training, Public Grievances and Pensions, Administrative Reforms, Defence Production, Civil Aviation, and Tourism.

In addition to his parliamentary roles, Patil served as Union Minister of Home Affairs from 2004 to 2008. Following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, he resigned on November 30, 2008, taking moral responsibility for the security lapses that occurred.

Between 2010 and 2015, Patil further extended his public service as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. He is also credited with introducing the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, an honor designed to recognize exemplary parliamentary performance.

Before his rise to prominence in national politics, Patil served two terms as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1979. During this period, he held several important positions including Chairman of the Public Undertakings Committee, Deputy Minister for Law and Judiciary, Irrigation, and Protocol, as well as Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.