Shivraj Patil, one of India’s most experienced parliamentarians and a towering figure in national politics, passed away on Friday morning at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra. He was 90. Family members said he died at his home ‘Devghar’ after a brief illness. Patil is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, who is associated with the BJP, and two granddaughters.
Patil’s public life spanned more than five decades, during which he held some of the highest constitutional and administrative positions in the country. He served as India’s Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008, guiding the ministry during a period marked by major internal security challenges. Prior to this, he was elected as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a role he held from 1991 to 1996, earning widespread regard for his calm and impartial stewardship of parliamentary proceedings.
He later served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh between 2010 and 2015, roles that further reflected the trust placed in his administrative experience and balanced judgment. His political journey began in local governance, when he took charge as municipal council chief of Latur before rising to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in the 1970s. In national politics, Patil became a dominant voice from the Latur region, winning the Lok Sabha seat seven times. His long winning streak broke only in 2004, when he lost to BJP’s Rupatai Patil Nilangekar.
Known for dignity, restraint and a deep sense of decorum, Patil never resorted to personal attacks—whether in Parliament or in private exchanges. Party colleagues remembered him as a leader who valued study, preparation and intellectual discipline. His fluency in Marathi, Hindi and English, coupled with an expert understanding of constitutional matters, made him one of the most respected parliamentarians of his era.
His passing marks the end of a distinctive political legacy, shaped by integrity, scholarship and a lifelong commitment to public service.
