Fri Dec 12 04:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
Shivraj Patil, a senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister, passed away at his home in Latur, Maharashtra at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness. Patil served as a Member of Parliament for Latur seven times, held key ministerial positions under Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. Despite losing an election in 2004, he was appointed as the Union Home Minister, later resigning after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. He subsequently served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.
News Article:
Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil Dies at 90
Latur, Maharashtra – Shivraj Patil, a veteran Congress leader and former Union Home Minister, died at his residence in Latur on Friday morning. He was 90 years old. Patil had been battling a long illness and was under home care at the time of his death.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur, Latur district, Patil’s political journey began in 1967. He was a seven-time Member of Parliament for the Latur constituency, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics. He held various ministerial positions in the governments of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, overseeing portfolios such as Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, and Atomic Energy.
From 1991 to 1996, Patil served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, where he spearheaded modernization efforts including computerization, live broadcasts of proceedings, and the construction of a new library building.
Following an electoral defeat in 2004, Patil was appointed as the Union Home Minister. However, he resigned in 2008, taking moral responsibility for the Mumbai terror attacks. He later served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Patil’s passing has been met with widespread grief across Maharashtra and the nation. He was known for his calm, composed demeanor and his dedication to his work.