The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil took place with full state honours on Saturday in his home district of Latur, as the nation bid farewell to an esteemed parliamentarian.
Several senior political leaders across party lines paid their respects, including Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, and Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre.
Patil, a prominent leader of the Lingayat community, was buried at his farm in Varvanti village, about six kilometres from Latur. The burial followed traditional Lingayat rites, where he was laid to rest in a seated, meditative posture. This practice reflects the community’s belief that the soul merges directly with Lord Shiva post-death, thereby bypassing the cycle of rebirth.
Before the burial, Patil received a ceremonial gun salute. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla laid a wreath on his mortal remains, and Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal, along with Latur Lok Sabha MP Shivaji Kolge, were also in attendance.
Shivraj Patil, aged 90, passed away on Friday in Latur after suffering from a brief illness. With a political career spanning over five decades, he held numerous key positions in the Union government, including Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Home Minister.
Patil began his public life as a member of the Latur Municipal Corporation in 1967. He later served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly between 1972 and 1980. From 1980 onwards, Patil represented the Latur Lok Sabha constituency for seven consecutive terms, winning elections in 1980, 1984, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1998, and 1999.
He joined the Indira Gandhi-led government as Minister of State for Defence from 1980 to 1982 and later held independent charge of the Commerce Ministry (1982–83). He headed significant portfolios, including Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Electronics, Space, and Ocean Development during the early 1980s.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi government, Patil took charge as Minister for Personnel, Defence Production, Civil Aviation, and Tourism. In 2004, he assumed the Union Home Ministry, holding the position until November 30, 2008, when he resigned due to security lapses during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
From 2010 to 2015, Patil served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, reflecting his extensive political influence.
Patil earned immense respect for his commitment to parliamentary ethics. A notable incident that exemplified this occurred in March 1979 when unverified reports suggested that Gandhian leader Jayaprakash Narayan had passed away. While several leaders, including then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, offered condolences in Parliament, Patil—then Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly—demanded official confirmation. He adjourned the House, contacted the doctors treating Narayan, and later confirmed that he was alive. The Assembly subsequently passed a resolution wishing Narayan a long life. Narayan passed away months later in October 1979.
The death of Shivraj Patil marks the end of an era characterized by parliamentary decorum, administrative experience, and political integrity. His contributions to Indian politics will be remembered for years to come.
