Shivraj Patil, Former Union Home Minister, Dies At 91 In Latur, PM Modi Mourns Demise
Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra, at the age of 91. He served during the UPA-I government.
by Zee Media Bureau · Zee NewsSenior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away today at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra. He was 91.
Patil, a veteran politician, held several crucial positions during his long career, including serving as the Union Home Minister during the UPA-I government.
The Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday morning in his residence in Latur, Maharashtra. He was 90 years old and ailing for the past few days.
His litany of services included an uninterrupted political career spanning over four decades, replete with immense responsibilities undertaken in Parliament, the Union government, and state legislatures.
PM Modi Mourns Demise, Recalls Recent Meeting
In a statement, PM Modi paid tribute to the veteran politician's extensive public service career and recalled his personal interactions with him.
PM Modi acknowledged Patil's long and versatile political journey, highlighting the wide range of crucial roles he fulfilled throughout his life.
"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 Prime Minister emphasised Patil's dedication to societal upliftment, stating that he "was passionate about contributing to the welfare of society."
A Career Of High Offices
Born on October 12, 1935, in the village of Chakur in the Latur district, Patil rose through the political ranks to some of the highest offices in the country:
Lok Sabha Speaker: He was the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Union Home Minister: He held the most vital post of Union Minister of Home Affairs from 2004 to 2008. He submitted his resignation on November 30, 2008, taking moral responsibility for the security lapses in the wake of the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Governor and Administrator: Patil was the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Extensive Tenure In Parliament And As A Minister
Patil entered national politics in 1980 after being first elected to the 7th Lok Sabha-a seat he retained seven consecutive terms until 2004.
In the Centre, he was Minister of State for a string of departments such as Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space and Ocean Development, Biotechnology, and Personnel and Training.
He is also known to have brought in the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award to recognize exemplary work in the house. Before his national role, Patil was a two-term member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly between 1972 and 1979, during which he held several positions, such as Chairman of the Public Undertakings Committee and Deputy Minister for Law and Judiciary, and later served as the Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the state assembly.