Veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil was laid to rest with full state honours on Saturday in Latur, his home district. The entire nation mourned the loss of one of its most esteemed parliamentarians. The funeral saw an impressive turnout of senior leaders from various parties, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister Sanjay Seth, and former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan.
Shivraj Patil, a notable figure within the Lingayat community, received traditional Lingayat rites during his burial. He was interred in Varvanti village, around six kilometers from Latur, adhering to the customs that honour the belief of the soul merging with Lord Shiva post-death. This practice eliminates the necessity of cremation, reflecting the community’s values.
As a mark of respect, the late leader received a ceremonial gun salute. Om Birla presented a wreath to pay tribute, with Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal and Latur MP Shivaji Kolge also in attendance.
Patil, who passed away at the age of 90, had a long and illustrious political career spanning over five decades. His journey in politics commenced as a member of the Latur Municipal Corporation in 1967, followed by two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly between 1972 and 1980. He became a significant political player, representing the Latur Lok Sabha constituency for seven consecutive terms from 1980 through 1999.
His tenure in government included vital roles such as Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982 and later independent charge of the Commerce Ministry. Throughout his career, Patil held numerous pivotal portfolios, including Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, and was integral during the Rajiv Gandhi administration, covering key ministries like Personnel and Defence Production.
In 2004, Patil took office as the Union Home Minister, serving until November 30, 2008. He resigned following the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, accepting moral responsibility for the ensuing security lapses. After his term as Home Minister, he served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Shivraj Patil earned a reputation for integrity and parliamentary ethics throughout his distinguished career. A memorable instance of his commitment occurred in March 1979, when he, as Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, postponed a session to verify reports of Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan’s death. His insistence on confirmation before allowing condolences is a testament to his dedication to truth and transparency.
The passing of Shivraj Patil signifies the closure of a remarkable era characterized by political integrity and dedication to public service. His contributions to Indian politics remain unmatched, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of democracy and governance.
