The nation mourns the demise of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil, who passed away on Friday at the age of 90. His last rites, held with full state honors on Saturday in his home district of Latur, witnessed an outpouring of respect from leaders across political parties.
Prominent figures present at the funeral included Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan. Their attendance underscored Patil’s significant influence in Indian politics over decades.
Patil was a pivotal leader of the Lingayat community. He was buried at his farm in Varvanti village, approximately six kilometers from Latur, following traditional Lingayat rites. In keeping with community customs, he assumed a seated, meditative posture—a ritual signifying the belief that the soul merges directly with Lord Shiva and transcends the cycle of rebirth.
The funeral saw ceremonial honors that included a gun salute. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla laid a wreath on Patil’s mortal remains, alongside Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal and Latur Lok Sabha MP Shivaji Kolge, who commemorated the leader’s contributions to the nation.
Shivraj Patil’s Political Journey
Shivraj Patil’s political career spanned over five decades. He began his public service in the Latur Municipal Corporation in 1967, later serving two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1980. His tenure in the Lok Sabha began in 1980, where he represented the Latur constituency and won elections for seven consecutive terms from 1980 to 1999.
Patil served in various capacities in the Union government, including as Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982. He later headed key ministries, including Commerce and Atomic Energy. His leadership under the Rajiv Gandhi government marked significant advancements in National Defence and Civil Aviation.
In 2004, he took charge of the Union Home Ministry, where he remained until November 2008. Patil took moral responsibility and resigned following the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, highlighting his sense of accountability.
From 2010 to 2015, Shivraj Patil served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, continuing to shape India’s political landscape.
Integrity Which Defined His Tenure
Patil earned great respect for his adherence to parliamentary ethics. A defining moment in his career occurred in March 1979 when unverified reports of Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan’s death circulated. As Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, Patil insisted on official confirmation before offering condolences, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to accuracy and integrity in governance. The House eventually passed a resolution wishing Narayan a long life after confirming his health.
Shivraj Patil’s passing marks the conclusion of an era distinguished by his deep understanding of parliamentary decorum, rich administrative experience, and unyielding political integrity. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
