Fri Dec 12 04:10:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil Dies at 90
Latur, Maharashtra – Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his residence in Latur on Friday morning at the age of 90. Patil breathed his last at approximately 6:30 AM, succumbing to a prolonged illness for which he was receiving home care.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur, Latur district, Patil had a distinguished political career spanning decades. He earned degrees in Ayurveda and Law before entering politics, starting his journey in 1967 at the Latur Municipal Corporation.
Patil was a seven-time Lok Sabha MP from the Latur constituency, a feat that solidified his position as a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics. He served as a Minister of State in various key portfolios, including Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, and Space, under the governments of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
From 1991 to 1996, Patil served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, overseeing significant modernization efforts, including computerization, live broadcasts of proceedings, and the construction of a new library building.
Despite losing the 2004 election, he was appointed as the Union Home Minister. He later resigned from the position in 2008, taking moral responsibility for the Mumbai terror attacks. Subsequently, he served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Patil was known for his calm demeanor, composure, and diligent work ethic. His passing has been met with widespread grief across Maharashtra and the national political landscape.
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