Shivraj Vishwanath Patil, a towering figure in Indian politics and former Union Home Minister, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 91. The veteran Congress leader breathed his last at his residence in his hometown of Latur, Maharashtra, following a brief illness.
Patil's career spanned over five decades, marked by his dignified conduct, intellectual depth, and tenure in some of India's highest constitutional offices.
A Distinguished Career in Public Service
Born in Chakur, Latur district, in 1935, Shivraj Patil's political journey began in Maharashtra's state politics before moving to the national stage where he held a diverse range of crucial portfolios.
| Position | Tenure | Key Highlights |
| Union Home Minister | 2004 – 2008 | Served in the UPA-I government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. His tenure ended with his resignation in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks (26/11). |
| Speaker of the Lok Sabha | 1991 – 1996 | Presided over the 10th Lok Sabha. Known for his efforts to modernize Parliament, including initiating the live telecasting of proceedings. |
| Governor of Punjab | 2010 – 2015 | Also served as the Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. |
| Union Minister | 1980s | Served in the cabinets of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, holding portfolios like Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Civil Aviation, and Tourism. |
| Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) | 1980 – 2004 | Represented the Latur constituency seven times consecutively. |
The Legacy of the 26/11 Resignation
Patil's term as Home Minister became inextricably linked with the tragic events of November 26, 2008, when Mumbai was subjected to a devastating terrorist attack. While the government faced intense public and political pressure over intelligence and response failures, Patil famously took moral responsibility for the attacks and resigned from the high-profile post on November 30, 2008.
Despite the controversy surrounding his Home Ministry tenure, his long-standing service, particularly his successful role as the Lok Sabha Speaker and his contributions to parliamentary reforms, remain significant aspects of his legacy.
Condolences Pour In
News of his demise brought an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum. Senior leaders from the Congress party and ruling party figures expressed grief, highlighting his long public career and contributions to the nation and the state of Maharashtra.
He is remembered by colleagues for his composed demeanor, adherence to procedural rules, and deep engagement with various facets of governance.
