The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil were performed with full state honours on Saturday in his home district Latur. This heartfelt farewell came as the nation mourned one of its most experienced parliamentarians and statesmen.
Several senior leaders across party lines attended the funeral, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. They gathered to pay their respects alongside other notable figures such as former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre.
A prominent leader of the Lingayat community, Patil was buried at his farm in Varvanti village, approximately six kilometres from Latur, following traditional Lingayat rites. In alignment with community customs, he was laid to rest in a seated, meditative posture. This ritual signifies the Lingayat belief that the soul merges directly with Lord Shiva after death, thereby deeming cremation unnecessary.
Prior to the burial, Patil was accorded a ceremonial gun salute. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla laid a wreath on his mortal remains, with Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal and Latur Lok Sabha MP Shivaji Kolge also in attendance.
Shivraj Patil, aged 90, passed away on Friday in Latur after a brief illness. His political journey spanned over five decades, during which he held esteemed positions in the Union government, including that of Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Home Minister.
Patil launched his public life as a member of the Latur Municipal Corporation in 1967. He later served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly between 1972 and 1980. From 1980 onwards, he represented the Latur Lok Sabha constituency for seven consecutive terms—winning elections in 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999.
Inducted into the Indira Gandhi-led government, he served as Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982 and was later given independent charge of the Commerce Ministry from 1982 to 1983. Subsequently, he headed significant departments including Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, and Space and Ocean Development (1983–84).
During the Rajiv Gandhi administration, Patil held the positions of Minister for Personnel, Defence Production, Civil Aviation, and Tourism. In 2004, he succeeded in becoming the Union Home Minister, a position he maintained until November 30, 2008, when he resigned taking moral responsibility for the security lapses during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
From 2010 to 2015, Patil served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, further enriching his long and impactful political career.
Patil was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to parliamentary ethics. A notable episode from March 1979 illustrates his integrity. When unverified reports suggested that Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan had passed away, Patil—then Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly—insisted on acquiring official confirmation before making any statements. He adjourned the House, contacted the doctors treating Narayan, and ensured he was alive before allowing the Assembly to wish Narayan a long life.
The death of Shivraj Patil marks the end of an era characterized by parliamentary decorum, administrative prowess, and political integrity. His contributions will resonate across generations, and he leaves behind a legacy as one of India’s most respected leaders.
