The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil took place with full state honours on Saturday in his home district of Latur. This event marked a solemn farewell to one of India’s most experienced parliamentarians, highlighting his remarkable legacy.
Numerous senior leaders attended the funeral, transcending political boundaries. Attendees included Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, and Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre.
Patil, a significant figure within the Lingayat community, was laid to rest at his farm in Varvanti village, approximately six kilometres from Latur. His burial followed traditional Lingayat rites, reflecting cultural beliefs surrounding death. Members of the community believe the soul merges directly with Lord Shiva post-death, negating the need for cremation.
Prior to the burial, Patil received a ceremonial gun salute. Om Birla placed a wreath on the casket, complemented by the presence of Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal and Latur Lok Sabha MP Shivaji Kolge.
Shivraj Patil, who passed away at the age of 90 on Friday after a brief illness, enjoyed a political career that spanned more than five decades. He held numerous influential positions in the Indian government, including Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Home Minister, earning respect for his extensive experience.
Patil initiated his public service journey as a member of the Latur Municipal Corporation in 1967. He then served two terms as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1980. Thereafter, he represented the Latur Lok Sabha constituency for seven consecutive terms, winning elections across multiple decades—from 1980 to 1999.
Proud of a noteworthy government career, he joined the Indira Gandhi-led administration as Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982. Subsequently, he helmed the Ministry of Commerce and held essential portfolios such as Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space and Ocean Development from 1982 to 1984.
Patil’s commitment to public service continued under the Rajiv Gandhi government as he took on the roles of Minister for Personnel, Defence Production, Civil Aviation, and Tourism. His tenure peaked when he became the Union Home Minister in 2004, a role he maintained until November 30, 2008, resigning after taking moral responsibility for the security lapses during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Moreover, from 2010 to 2015, Patil served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.
Known for his integrity, Patil instilled a sense of parliamentary ethics in all his endeavors. A notable moment in his career occurred in March 1979 when unverified reports surfaced suggesting that notable Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan had passed away. While many leaders expressed condolences in Parliament, Patil, serving as Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, mandated official confirmation before proceeding. He adjourned the House, contacted Narayan’s doctors, and verified Narayan was alive. The Assembly later passed a resolution wishing him a long life.
The death of Shivraj Patil not only signifies the loss of a distinguished leader but also marks the end of an era characterized by unwavering commitment to parliamentary decorum, administrative excellence, and political integrity in India.
