Latur, Maharashtra: Former Union Home Minister and veteran Congress leader Shivraj Patil passed away at the age of 90 in his hometown of Latur, Maharashtra, on Friday, December 12, 2025. Family sources confirmed that Patil succumbed to a brief illness.

Shivraj Vishwanath Patil, born on October 12, 1935, in Chakur village, Latur district, was a prominent figure in Indian politics for several decades. He began his political journey in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, representing Latur City from 1972 to 1980. During this period, he held various গুরুত্বপূর্ণ positions, including Chairman of the Public Undertakings Committee, Deputy Minister for Law & Judiciary, Irrigation, and Protocol, and eventually, Speaker of the Assembly.

In 1980, Patil was elected to the 7th Lok Sabha from the Latur constituency, marking the beginning of his long and successful career in national politics. He went on to win seven consecutive Lok Sabha elections, representing Latur until 2004. His tenure in the Lok Sabha saw him take on various গুরুত্বপূর্ণ roles, including Minister of State for Defence, Commerce, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space & Ocean Development, and Minister of State for Personnel and Training, Public Grievances and Pensions, Administrative Reforms, Defence Production, Civil Aviation, and Tourism. He also served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996.

Patil's career reached its peak when he served as the Union Minister of Home Affairs from 2004 to 2008, under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. However, he resigned from his post in November 2008, taking moral responsibility for security lapses following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Subsequently, he served as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

Throughout his career, Shivraj Patil was known for his contributions to Indian politics and his ability to hold key portfolios in the government. He was a member of various committees, including the Committee on Defence, Committee on External Affairs, and the Rules Committee. As Speaker of the Lok Sabha, he played a crucial role in shaping debates and discussions in the House.

Patil earned a degree in Science from Osmania University and studied law at Bombay University. He was married to Vijaya Patil and had a son and a daughter.

Shivraj Patil's death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. His contributions as a parliamentarian, minister, and speaker will be remembered for years to come.