Former Union Minister and ex-Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday at the age of 91. Patil, who had been battling health issues for some time, breathed his last in Latur, Maharashtra.
Shivraj Patil enjoyed a long and distinguished political career. He served as Lok Sabha Speaker and held several key portfolios in the Union Cabinet. Patil represented Latur in the Lok Sabha seven times, demonstrating his deep connect with his constituency.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Latur, Patil initially pursued a law degree before entering politics. He served as Latur Municipal Council President and later became a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. His first Lok Sabha victory came in 1980, and he went on to secure the seat multiple times. From 2010 to 2015, he served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, further highlighting his versatile administrative experience.
Patil also held the post of Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 under the UPA government. He resigned following criticism over the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Despite controversies, he remained a senior Congress leader and a respected figure in Indian politics.
Leaders across the country mourned his passing, remembering him for his decades-long contribution to public service and national politics.
