Nation Mourns: Senior Congress Leader Shivraj Patil Passes Away at 90

PM Narendra Modi also expressed grief at Patil's passing and acknowledged his years of service as an MLA, MP, Union Minister and Speaker of both the Maharashtra Assembly and the Lok Sabha. File Photo.

Shivraj Patil, senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister, passed away at the age of 90. It prompted condolences from politicians across party lines and all major political formations in India. He took his last breath at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra, after being unwell in recent days. His death drew an outpouring of grief reflecting his long career and stature as a statesman.

President Droupadi Murmu was among the first to pay tribute. She described Patil as a “prominent public figure” whose extensive public life encompassed roles such as Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Minister, Governor and multiple terms as Member of Parliament. In her, she extended sympathies to his family, admirers, and supporters while noting the void his passing created.

PM Narendra Modi also expressed grief at Patil’s passing and acknowledged his years of service as an MLA, MP, Union Minister and Speaker of both the Maharashtra Assembly and the Lok Sabha. Modi noted that he was passionate about contributing to the welfare of society and recalled having met him just months ago, offering his prayers for the bereaved family.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi called his passing “extremely heartbreaking”, describing Patil’s death as an “irreparable loss” for the Congress party. He highlighted his lifelong commitment to public service. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge remembered him as a “statesman of great dignity” who upheld India’s democratic institutions with integrity and composure over decades of public life.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad described Patil as a close family friend and colleague. He emphasised his honesty, soft-spoken nature and dignified conduct. Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy also expressed deep sorrow and recalled Patil’s devotion to serving people through various constitutional roles.

The tributes underscored Patil’s broad respect across the political spectrum, marking the end of an era for one of India’s longest-serving parliamentarians and public servants.

Source: Hindustan Times