Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday morning at the age of 90.
He had been briefly ill and passed away at his residence, Devghar, in Maharashtra’s Latur.
The senior Congress leader was the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996, besides holding key portfolios in the Union cabinet, including that of Home Minister from 2004 to 2008.
He also served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
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Having won the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times, it’s also where he had begun his political career from, being the municipal council chief of Latur before being elected as an MLA in the early 70s. He later lost to BJP’s Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
Born on October 12, 1934, Patil was known for being a voracious reader and articulate presenter. He had immaculate command over Marathi, English, and Hindi, along with an in-depth knowledge of constitutional matters.
Known for his dignified conduct, he never indulged in personal attacks, neither in public speeches nor in private conversations, said a party leader.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Patil's death, and said that he was passionate about contributing to the welfare of society.
"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," the PM said in a post on X.
"I have had many interactions with him over the years, the most recent one being when he came to my residence a few months ago. My thoughts are with his family in this sad hour. Om Shanti," Modi said.
President Droupadi Murmu also condoled the former Union minister's death, saying the country has lost a prominent public figure.
"In the demise of senior political leader Shri Shivraj Patil Ji, we have lost a prominent public figure. During his long public life, he held many important positions including those of Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Minister, Governor and longstanding Member of Parliament. My heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers and admirers," Murmu said in a post on X.
Patil is survived by his son, Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, who is a BJP leader, and two granddaughters.
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