LATUR, Dec 12 — Tributes poured in Friday for former Lok Sabha Speaker and longtime Congress leader Shivraj Patil, whose death at age 90 prompted political leaders across parties to remember his calm leadership, discipline and legal acumen.
Fadnavis said Patil “commanded a place of esteem in Indian politics” and described him as “renowned for his integrity, deep knowledge and firm leadership.” He added that the country had “lost a cultured and scholarly personality.”
Sharad Pawar said Patil’s work “reflected justice for the common man,” noting his influence in both Maharashtra and national politics. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule said his death marked the loss of “a leader with vast parliamentary experience.”
Patil’s parliamentary career included seven Lok Sabha victories from Latur and a term as the 10th Speaker of the House from 1991 to 1996. Leaders credited him with pushing for modernisation and computerisation of parliamentary procedures. “The Outstanding Parliamentarian Award was also started during his tenure,” Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said.
Former chief minister Ashok Chavan called Patil “a guiding figure, like a father,” saying their families shared a bond going back decades. Latur MLA Amit Deshmukh also paid his respects.
Patil began his political journey as president of the Latur municipality from 1966 to 1970, later serving two terms as MLA and holding posts such as deputy speaker and speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly. He went on to handle multiple Union portfolios, including defence, commerce and science and technology.
Congress leaders remembered him as a man of dignified conduct who avoided personal attacks. They said his command over Marathi, English and Hindi, paired with deep knowledge of constitutional matters, made him one of the most respected parliamentarians of his era.
