The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil took place with full state honours on Saturday in Latur, marking the farewell to one of India’s most seasoned parliamentarians. Leaders across party lines, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, attended the poignant ceremony.
A prominent figure in the Lingayat community, Patil was laid to rest at his farm in Varvanti village, approximately six kilometres from Latur, adhering to traditional Lingayat rites. In a custom reflecting their beliefs, he was interred in a seated, meditative position. This practice signifies the community’s conviction that the soul merges directly with Lord Shiva after death, thus negating the need for cremation.
In recognition of his contributions, a ceremonial gun salute preceded the burial. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla laid a wreath on Patil’s mortal remains, and several dignitaries including Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal and Latur MP Shivaji Kolge were present to pay their respects.
Shivraj Patil, aged 90, passed away on Friday in Latur due to a brief illness. His political career, which spanned over five decades, included crucial roles in the Union government such as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Union Home Minister.
Patil began his public journey as a member of the Latur Municipal Corporation in 1967. He subsequently served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly between 1972 and 1980. He gained significant recognition by representing the Latur Lok Sabha constituency for seven consecutive terms, winning elections in 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998 and 1999.
Initially, he joined the Indira Gandhi-led government as Minister of State for Defence (1980–82) before taking over the independent charge of the Commerce Ministry (1982–83). Furthermore, he headed important portfolios including Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space, and Ocean Development (1983–84).
During the Rajiv Gandhi government, Patil undertook the responsibilities as Minister for Personnel, Defence Production, Civil Aviation, and Tourism. His most significant appointment came in 2004 when he served as the Union Home Minister until November 30, 2008, when he resigned due to moral responsibility for the security lapses during the daunting 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
From 2010 to 2015, Patil also made notable contributions as the Governor of Punjab and the Administrator of Chandigarh.
Patil was well-respected for his unwavering commitment to parliamentary ethics. A defining moment etched in history occurred in March 1979 when unverified reports falsely claimed that Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan had died. While many leaders, including then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, expressed condolences in Parliament, Patil—a then Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly—demanded official confirmation. He suspended the session, reached out to healthcare professionals treating Narayan, and confirmed that he was alive. This action led the Assembly to pass a resolution wishing Narayan continued life. Narayan ultimately passed away months later, in October 1979.
Shivraj Patil’s passing signifies the end of an era characterized by parliamentary decorum, administrative experience, and political integrity. His legacy will continue to inspire many in the political landscape of India.
