Shivraj Singh Patil Passes Away At 90: Delhi Blasts Controversy To 26/11 Exit, The Leader Behind the Headlines

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Former Union Minister and veteran Congress leader Shivraj Vishwanath Patil passed away today, 12 December 2025, at the age of 90 at his home in Latur. He had been unwell for a short period, and his family was by his side in his final days. Messages of condolence poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting how widely known he was even among those who often disagreed with him.

Photo Credit: Instagram@rajabrar_inc

Where It All Began

Patil's story started in Chakur, a village in today's Latur district. Long before he became a national figure, he was a municipal council chief, a grassroots beginning that eventually led him to the Maharashtra Assembly in the 1970s.

He entered the Lok Sabha in 1980 and went on to win the Latur seat seven times in a row. For many in the region, he wasn't just a politician; he was a familiar face who stayed in public life for decades.

The Roles That Shaped His Career

Across his long journey in Delhi, Patil held several key positions:

Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1991-1996)

A role he handled during a politically turbulent period, known for his calm, procedural approach.

Union Home Minister (2004-2008)

Probably the position most people remember him for especially because of what happened later.

Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh (2010-2015)

His final major public office.

Earlier, he had also handled portfolios like defence, commerce, civil aviation, science and technology, and personnel. Those who followed Parliament closely often spoke of his strong grasp of the Constitution and his comfort speaking in multiple languages.

The Defining Controversies

A political career this long doesn't come without sharp turns, and Patil's were significant.

26/11 And the Resignation That Followed

Patil was the Union Home Minister during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. After days of shock, anger, and questions around intelligence gaps, he stepped down, taking responsibility for the lapses that had shaken the country.

It was a big moment. Indian politics rarely sees ministers resign after such incidents, which made his decision stand out. Supporters saw it as accountability; critics said it came too late. Either way, it remained the most discussed moment of his career.

The "Outfit" Issue During the Delhi Blasts

Earlier in 2008, during the Delhi serial blasts, Patil was criticised for changing outfits several times while the crisis was unfolding. The criticism was intense, and even today people recall the incident as an example of how the visuals sent the wrong message. Patil defended himself, saying his appearance was being targeted instead of his decisions but the perception stuck.

His Image Inside the Party

Patil was often described as a loyalist within the Congress, especially close to the Gandhi family. His rise, his cabinet roles, and even the controversies were often viewed through that lens. Whether praised or criticised, this aspect of his political identity stayed with him his entire career.

A Career That Leaves Behind Mixed Emotions

Shivraj Patil's journey wasn't simple. It had reach, influence, setbacks, and moments that changed the direction of national politics. Those who admired him point to his long parliamentary experience and disciplined way of working. Those who judged him focus on 2008 and the decisions that followed. Both sides are part of his story and both matter.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

Shivraj Patil's passing marks the end of a long chapter in Indian public life. He wasn't a leader who sat on the sidelines; he occupied some of the most demanding positions the system has. His career carried achievements, missteps, and moments that shaped how people remember him.

Whether one agrees with his politics or not, his life reflects the weight and complexity of holding public office in India, something that becomes clearer when you look at the scale of his journey and the debates that still surround it.