Delhi 12, Decemeber : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday expressed profound grief over the passing of veteran party leader, former Union Home Minister, and Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil, who died at the age of 90 at his residence in Latur. Kharge hailed Patil as a statesman who served the nation “with distinction” and contributed significantly to India’s democratic institutions.

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Taking to the social media platform X, Mr. Kharge shared his condolences, reflecting on his personal and professional association with the late leader.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of former Union Home Minister, Former Lok Sabha Speaker and veteran Congress leader Shivraj Patil,” Mr. Kharge wrote. “He was an honoured senior colleague with whom I shared a close bond and many cherished memories.”

The Congress President further praised Patil’s career, stating, “A statesman of great dignity, Patil served the nation with distinction, holding key Constitutional and Parliamentary responsibilities and contributing significantly to India’s Democratic institutions.”

Kharge concluded his tribute by calling the demise a “profound loss for the Congress Party,” and extending his “heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless supporters.”

Rahul Gandhi Calls Loss ‘Irreparable’

Mr. Kharge’s tribute was closely followed by a similar message from Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who termed the loss as “irreparable” for the party.

“The news of the demise of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil ji is extremely heartbreaking and an irreparable loss for the party,” Mr. Gandhi posted on X. “His dedication to public service and his contributions to the nation will always be remembered. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with the entire Patil family, their well-wishers, and supporters.”

A Distinguished Public Career

Shivraj Patil, born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur, Maharashtra, was a towering figure in Indian politics whose career spanned over four decades in both state and national governance.

A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Patil held some of the nation’s highest offices:

• Lok Sabha Speaker: He served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

• Union Home Minister: He was the Union Minister of Home Affairs from 2004 to 2008. He resigned from the position on November 30, 2008, taking moral responsibility following the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

• Governor and Administrator: Between 2010 and 2015, he served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Patil entered national politics in 1980, winning his first election to the 7th Lok Sabha, and went on to serve seven consecutive terms until 2004. During his extensive parliamentary tenure, he served as Minister of State across a wide portfolio of departments, including Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, and Civil Aviation.

Before his national ascent, Patil was a two-term member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 1972 to 1979, where he held positions including Deputy Minister for Law and Judiciary and Speaker of the Assembly. He is also credited with introducing the prestigious Outstanding Parliamentarian Award, established to honour exemplary performance within the Indian Parliament.