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Leader Remembered for Long Public Life and Controversies
Known for His Stature as a Parliamentarian and His 26/11 Controversy, Patil Dies at Latur Residence
New Delhi: Veteran Congressman, former Union Home Minister, and ex-Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil passed away at his hometown Latur in Maharashtra on Friday morning. Patil, who also served as the Administrator of Chandigarh, was also 90.
His long political career—marked by high constitutional roles as Lok Sabha Speaker and Governor—was also shadowed by controversy, most notably during his tenure as Union Home Minister when he was criticised for changing multiple suits during his visits on the night of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, a moment that became a national talking point. Patil breathed his last at his residence ‘Devghar’ after a brief illness, family sources said. His funeral will be held on Saturday.
Leaders Across Political Spectrum Pay Tribute
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi were among the many who condoled his demise.
Fadnavis described Patil as a “distinguished parliamentarian and statesman,” while Sharad Pawar said he harmoniously blended Congress ideology with “justice for the common man.” Patil is survived by his son, Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law, Archana, and two granddaughters.
A Long Political Journey From Latur to National Leadership
Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political career as president of the Latur municipality (1966–1970). He was elected twice to the state assembly, serving as Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly between 1977 and 1979.
He later became one of Maharashtra’s most recognisable leaders, winning the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times. Patil served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1991–96) and was known for encouraging procedural reforms and modernisation.
Although he lost the 2004 Lok Sabha election, he later entered the Rajya Sabha.
Union Minister, Governor and a Figure of Public Debate
A senior figure in the Congress, Patil handled key portfolios including defence, commerce, and science & technology before taking charge as Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008. His tenure ended after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, when he resigned, taking moral responsibility. The criticism he faced for appearing in three different outfits within a few hours during the attack response became one of the defining controversies of his public life. Patil defended himself, saying policy should be criticised, “not clothes.”
From 2010 to 2015, Patil served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, a period during which he remained largely away from the national spotlight. In 2022, he again drew attention for commenting that the concept of “jihad” existed not only in Islam but also in the Bhagavad Gita and Christianity, sparking political backlash. In March 2025, Patil and his family met Prime Minister Modi in Delhi—one of his last major public engagements.
A Scholar-Politician With Deep Constitutional Knowledge
Leaders recalled Patil as a figure known for integrity, grace, and scholarship.
Avidly well-read, fluent in Marathi, Hindi, and English, and meticulous in parliamentary procedure, he was regarded as one of the most articulate constitutional minds of his time.
The Outstanding Parliamentarian Award was instituted during his tenure as Speaker. Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan described him as “a guiding figure, like a father,” while Ajit Pawar called him a “symbol of simplicity and ethical conduct.” A Congress leader said Patil’s dignified demeanour ensured he never indulged in personal attacks, either in public or in private.
