How Are Congress Leaders Reacting to Shivraj Patil's Passing?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shivraj Patil was a prominent figure in the Congress Party.
- His contributions to public service will be remembered.
- Leaders expressed profound sorrow over his passing.
- Patil held multiple significant government positions.
- His legacy includes integrity and dedication to democracy.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressed their profound sorrow over the loss of Shivraj Patil, a senior Congress figure and former Union Home Minister, describing it as a heart-wrenching and irretrievable loss for the party.
Rahul Gandhi shared his thoughts on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “The news of the passing of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Shivraj Patil ji is deeply saddening and an irreparable loss to the party. His unwavering commitment to public service and his significant contributions to our nation will always be cherished. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Patil family and to his supporters during this challenging time.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also mourned his death, commenting, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the former Union Home Minister, former Lok Sabha Speaker, and esteemed Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil. He was a respected colleague with whom I shared a profound bond and many treasured memories.”
“A statesman of great integrity, Shri Patil served our nation with honor, taking on crucial Constitutional and Parliamentary roles while significantly impacting India’s democratic framework,” Kharge continued.
He added, “His death is a significant loss for the Congress Party and all who valued his integrity, poise, and dedication to public service. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and numerous supporters. May they find solace in this tough time, and may his soul attain eternal peace.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed her grief on ‘X’, stating, “The news of the passing of senior Congress leader, former Union Home Minister, and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Shivraj Patil ji is deeply saddening. May the departed soul find peace. My heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and supporters.”
“Shri Patil ji was responsible for numerous important departments, including the Ministry of Defense, and devoted decades to public service. His loss is irreplaceable for the Congress family,” she noted.
Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away in his hometown, Latur, Maharashtra, on Friday morning. Patil, aged 90, died at his residence ‘Devghar’ after a brief illness, as confirmed by family sources.
He is survived by his son, Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana (a BJP leader), and two granddaughters.
Patil served as India’s Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and was the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He also held the position of Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political career as the municipal council chief of Latur and was elected as an MLA in the early 70s. He later won the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times, although he lost to BJP's Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 elections.
Known for his dignified demeanor, he refrained from personal attacks in public speeches and private discussions, as noted by a party leader.