The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil took place with full state honours on Saturday in Latur. His passing prompted national mourning as India bid farewell to one of its most experienced parliamentarians. Shivraj Patil died on Friday at the age of 90 after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy that spans over five decades.
Leaders from various political factions attended the funeral, demonstrating Patil’s wide-reaching influence. Among those present were 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.
As a prominent leader of the Lingayat community, Patil was buried at his farm in Varvanti village, located around six kilometers from Latur. The burial followed traditional Lingayat rites, where he was laid to rest in a seated, meditative posture. This custom reflects the belief that the soul merges directly with Lord Shiva after death, thus rendering cremation unnecessary.
Prior to the burial, Patil received a ceremonial gun salute. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla laid a wreath on his mortal remains. Other dignitaries such as Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal and Latur Lok Sabha MP Shivaji Kolge were also in attendance, highlighting the respect he commanded across party lines.
Shivraj Patil’s political career commenced in 1967 when he joined the Latur Municipal Corporation. He served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1980. Subsequently, he represented the Latur Lok Sabha constituency for an impressive seven consecutive terms from 1980 to 1999.
His extensive political journey includes roles as Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982 and independent charge of the Commerce Ministry from 1982 to 1983. Throughout his tenure, he handled crucial portfolios such as Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space, and Ocean Development. Under the Rajiv Gandhi government, Patil further served in prominent roles including Minister for Personnel and Defence Production.
In 2004, he became the Union Home Minister, a pivotal role he held until November 30, 2008, when he resigned, taking moral responsibility for the security lapses during the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
After his tenure as Union Minister, Shivraj Patil served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015, continuing his legacy of public service.
Patil earned a reputation for integrity and parliamentary ethics. A notable instance that exemplifies this occurred in March 1979 when unverified reports suggested the death of Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan. Amidst condolences being offered in the Parliament, Patil, then Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, insisted on waiting for official confirmation. He adjourned the House and contacted Narayan’s doctors before confirming that he was indeed alive, leading the Assembly to pass a resolution wishing him a long life.
Shivraj Patil’s death signifies the end of an era characterized by administrative experience and political integrity. His contributions to Indian politics will be remembered, and his departure leaves a void in public life.
