The funeral of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil took place with full state honours on Saturday in Latur, where the nation bid farewell to one of its most experienced parliamentarians. Patil, who passed away on Friday at the age of 90 following a brief illness, was remembered for his extensive contributions to Indian politics.
Several prominent leaders from various political parties attended the funeral, including 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. Their presence underscored the deep respect held for Patil across party lines.
Patil, a prominent leader belonging to the Lingayat community, was laid to rest at his farm in Varvanti village, located about six kilometres from Latur. Following traditional Lingayat rites, he was interred in a seated, meditative posture, reflecting the belief that the soul merges with Lord Shiva after death, thus rendering cremation unnecessary.
Before the burial, Patil received a ceremonial gun salute, which highlighted the significance of his service to the nation. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other dignitaries, including Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal and Latur Lok Sabha MP Shivaji Kolge, paid their last respects by laying wreaths on his mortal remains.
Shivraj Patil’s Political Journey
Shivraj Patil’s political career spanned over five decades, during which he held several significant roles in the Union government. He began his public service as a member of the Latur Municipal Corporation in 1967. Patil then served in two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly between 1972 and 1980. From 1980 onward, he represented the Latur Lok Sabha constituency for seven consecutive terms, winning elections consecutively until 1999.
Inducted into the Indira Gandhi-led government as Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982, Patil later took charge of the Ministry of Commerce and subsequently held key portfolios encompassing Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space and Ocean Development from 1983 to 1984.
Under Rajiv Gandhi’s government, he held the positions of Minister for Personnel, Defence Production, Civil Aviation, and Tourism. His tenure as Union Home Minister began in 2004, a role he maintained until his resignation in 2008, taking moral responsibility for the security lapses during the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
From 2010 to 2015, Patil served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, further contributing to the fabric of Indian governance.
A Legacy of Integrity and Parliamentary Ethics
Patil garnered immense respect for his unwavering commitment to parliamentary ethics throughout his career. A personal anecdote reflects his integrity; in March 1979, during unverified reports of the demise of Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan, while many leaders, including then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, offered condolences in Parliament, Patil, then the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, insisted on confirming the news. He adjourned the House to verify directly from the doctors treating Narayan, demonstrating his adherence to factual integrity.
Shivraj Patil’s death marks the close of an era characterized by parliamentary decorum, political integrity, and substantial administrative experience. His contributions to Indian democracy will not be forgotten, leaving behind a legacy that inspires future generations.
