Shivraj Patil, Veteran Congress Leader and Ex-Home Minister, Dies at 90

Maharashtra: Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, known for his calm nature and simplicity in the country's politics, died on Friday morning. He was 90 years old and had been suffering from health-related problems for some time. As soon as the news of his last breath at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra, came out, there was a wave of grief from party leaders to common people.

More than four decades long political journey

Shivraj Patil started his political journey from Latur Municipal Council. From there his popularity increased, and he emerged as a strong face in national politics. He won the Lok Sabha elections for the first time in 1980 and represented Latur several times in a row. People knew him as a calm, balanced, and dignified leader. He was the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. After this, in 2004, he was made the Home Minister of the country, where he took responsibility for many important decisions amidst challenging circumstances.

VIDEO | Maharashtra: Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, aged 90, passed away this morning in Latur, his hometown. Visuals from his residence.#ShivrajPatil #Congress #Latur

(full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/goTdieU0jo

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 12, 2025

Was the Home Minister at the time of 26/11

He was the Home Minister during the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. There was anger and shock across the country. Patil had resigned at that time, taking moral responsibility. His decision was also appreciated in the political environment of that time.

Family and close ones sad

His family was with him at the time of his death. Son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana Patil, and granddaughters were with him in this hour of grief. Apart from the family, people in his area, Latur, also shared emotional messages, remembering him for the last time.

Leaders paid tribute

From the Congress President to the Chief Ministers and MPs of many states, they expressed their condolences on social media. Everyone remembered him as a leader who was alert, simple, and understood the dignity of the Constitution.

The country lost an experienced leader

Apart from politics, the life of Shivraj Patil was considered a symbol of discipline and honesty. Due to his calm nature and seriousness, he was respected among both new and old leaders. With his departure, a voice has been lost in Indian politics, which always talked about balance, dignity, and constitutional values.