The nation mourns veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil, who was laid to rest with full state honours on Saturday in his home district, Latur. The ceremony brought together numerous leaders from different political parties, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Patil, a revered figure in the Lingayat community, was buried in Varvanti village, located six kilometres from Latur. Traditional Lingayat rites were conducted, where he was interred in a seated, meditative posture. This ritual symbolizes a belief that the soul unites directly with Lord Shiva after death, avoiding the cycle of rebirth.
Before his burial, officials conducted a ceremonial gun salute to honour his decades of public service. Om Birla laid a wreath on Patil’s mortal remains, with prominent attendees including Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal and Latur Lok Sabha MP Shivaji Kolge.
Shivraj Patil, who passed away at the age of 90 on Friday following a brief illness, had a political career spanning over five remarkable decades. He held numerous significant roles in the Union government, including Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Home Minister.
Patil began his political journey as a member of the Latur Municipal Corporation in 1967 before serving two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1980. He then represented the Latur Lok Sabha constituency for seven consecutive terms, winning elections in 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999.
His initial induction into the Indira Gandhi-led government saw him appointed as Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982, followed by a tenure as head of the Commerce Ministry. He later oversaw important portfolios, including Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, and Space.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi administration, Patil continued to serve in various capacities, including Minister for Personnel and Home Affairs. He led the critical Union Home Ministry until November 30, 2008, when he resigned due to accountability related to security oversights during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
From 2010 to 2015, Patil held the position of Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.
Known for his integrity, Patil gained respect in the political arena for his unwavering commitment to parliamentary ethics. Notably, in March 1979, amid unverified reports of Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan’s passing, Patil delayed condolences in Parliament until confirming Narayan’s status with treating doctors. This incident highlighted Patil’s commitment to integrity and the accuracy of information.
The passing of Shivraj Patil signifies the loss of a political stalwart whose legacy is marked by a steadfast dedication to parliamentary decorum, invaluable administrative experience, and profound political integrity. His contributions to the nation will resonate for years to come.
