Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil Passes Away at 90: Political Leaders Pay Tribute

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Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday morning, 12th December 2025, at his residence ‘Devghar’, situated in his hometown Latur, Maharashtra, at the ripe age of 90. Family sources revealed that he died after a brief illness. He left behind his son Shailesh Patil and his daughter-in-law Archana, who is a BJP leader. He also has two granddaughters completing the family.

He was born on 12th October 1935 and had the status of one of the most prominent leaders of his region. Patil began his public life as the municipal council chief of Latur and was elected as an MLA in the early 1970s. His graph continued to rise as he won the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times. However, he lost the 2004 Lok Sabha elections to the BJP’s Rupatai Patil Nilangekar. But his political career rose again as he served as India’s Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and even held the title of the 10th Lok Sabha Speaker during his tenure from 1991 to 1996. Later, he went on to become the Governor of Punjab and also the Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

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His death was mourned by leaders across the nation, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the social media platform X to express his grief over the passing of a leader who was deeply passionate about contributing to the welfare of society. PM Modi wrote, “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." He even recalled their previous encounter at the PM’s residence a few months ago, concluding the thought with “Om Shanti”.

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Leaders like Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed their condolences through X, remembering the contribution of the seasoned leader and acknowledging his dedicated service. The Defence Minister wrote on X, "He was a seasoned leader, who served the country in various capacities and made effective contributions towards India’s progress. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this sad hour. Om Shanti."

The Congress leader was well known for his dignified conduct, given that Patil never indulged in personal attacks, either in public speeches or private conversations. His love for reading, meticulous study and articulate presentation were widely respected. Party leaders have always applauded his command over Marathi, English and Hindi, along with his strong grasp of constitutional matters, which made him one of the most admired parliamentarians of his era.

With Inputs From IANS

(SY)

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