Statesman of great dignity, irreparable loss: Cong condoles Patil's demise
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Friday condoled the death of veteran party leader Shivraj Patil, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge hailing him as a statesman of great dignity who served the nation with distinction.
Senior Congress leader and former Union home minister Shivraj Patil breathed his last at his home in Maharashtra's Latur on Friday morning after a brief illness, family sources said. He was 90.
His funeral is expected to be held on Saturday, they said.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of former Union Home Minister, Former Lok Sabha Speaker and veteran Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil. He was an honoured senior colleague with whom I shared a close bond and many cherished memories," Kharge said.
ALSO READ: India lost a prominent public figure: President Murmu on Shivraj Patil's demise
"A statesman of great dignity, Shri Patil served the nation with distinction, holding key Constitutional and Parliamentary responsibilities and contributing significantly to India's Democratic institutions," the Congress chief said.
"His demise is a profound loss for the Congress Party and for all who admired his integrity, composure and commitment to public service," Kharge said.
Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also condoled Patil's death.
"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 dedication to public service and his contributions to the nation will always be remembered," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.
"My condolences are with the entire Patil family, his well-wishers, and supporters in this hour of grief," Gandhi said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the news of the passing of Patil is deeply saddening.
"May God grant peace to the departed soul. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and well-wishers. Shri Patil ji held responsibility for several important departments, including the Ministry of Defence, and served the public for decades. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Congress family," she said in a post in Hindi on X.
"My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless supporters. May they find strength in this difficult hour, and may his soul rest in peace," Priyanka Gandhi said.
Congress general secretary organisation K C Venugopal remembered Patil as an able administrator who left a lasting impact on the country.
"We have lost a stalwart of the Congress Party, who was loved across party lines for his dedication, humility and excellence in public service. May his family and well-wishers find the strength to bear this loss. He will be remembered fondly for times to come. Om Shanti," he said.
Patil is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, and two granddaughters.
Born on October 12, 1935, Patil began his political journey as the president of the Latur municipality between 1966 and 1970, and was subsequently elected as an MLA for two terms. He held key posts in the Maharashtra Assembly, including those of deputy speaker and speaker, between 1977 and 1979.
He then went on to win the Latur Lok Sabha seat seven times and became the 10th speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He lost to BJP's Rupatai Patil Nilangekar in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. He also served as a Rajya Sabha member.
The Congress leader held several Union government portfolios, including defence, commerce, and science and technology. Patil was the Union home minister from 2004 to 2008, when he resigned after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
He was the governor of Punjab and also served as the administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Deeply saddened by the passing of former Union Home Minister, Former Lok Sabha Speaker and veteran Congress leader Shri Shivraj Patil. He was an honoured senior colleague with whom I shared a close bond and many cherished memories.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 12, 2025
A statesman of great dignity, Shri Patil served… pic.twitter.com/oXwDGNcIvm
पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री और वरिष्ठ कांग्रेस नेता शिवराज पाटिल जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है और पार्टी के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 12, 2025
जनसेवा के प्रति उनका समर्पण, राष्ट्र के लिए उनके योगदान हमेशा याद किए जाएंगे।
इस दुख की घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं पूरे पाटिल परिवार, उनके…
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India, Brazil set bilateral trade target of over USD 20 billion in 5 years
New Delhi (PTI): India and Brazil on Saturday set a bilateral trade target of more than USD 20 billion in the next five years, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, focussing in the areas of critical minerals and security.
Modi said the relations between India and Brazil have long benefitted from President Lula's visionary outlook and inspiring leadership.
He also noted that Brazil is India's largest trade partner in Latin America.
"We are committed to taking the India-Brazil trade beyond USD 20 billion in the next five years," the prime minister said in his media statement after the talks.
He asserted that when India and Brazil work together, the voice of the Global South becomes stronger.
Modi also said both countries agree that terrorism and its supporters are enemies of the entire humanity.
