As news of the death of Shivraj Patil, one of the nation's most seasoned political leaders whose career spanned several decades and some of the highest constitutional offices in the country, spread on Thursday, India came together in sadness. He was widely respected as a statesman, legislator, and public servant, as seen by the outpouring of condolences from people of all political persuasions.
Among the first to offer a heartfelt homage was President Droupadi Murmu, who referred to Patil as a “prominent public figure” with a lengthy public career that included positions as Governor, Union Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and a long-time member of parliament. She noted the gap left by his passing and offered her sympathies to his family, friends, and supporters.

Recalling Patil's vast experience as an MLA, MP, Union Minister, and Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly and the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sorrow over the loss. "Saddened by Shri Shivraj Patil Ji's demise... He had a strong desire to improve society. He and I have interacted on numerous occasions throughout the years, the most recent of which being when he visited my home a few months ago. During this difficult time, my thoughts are with his family. "Om Shanti," he wrote.
Messages from the opposition benches had a similarly respectful tone. Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP, described Patil's passing as a "irreparable loss" for the Congress party and called the news "extremely heartbreaking."

Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress and a long-time friend of Patil, praised him as a "statesman of great dignity" who calmly and honourably defended India's democratic institutions. Recalling their close relationship and years of collaboration, Kharge remarked, "His death is a profound loss for the Congress Party and for all who admired his integrity, composure, and commitment to public service."
Ghulam Nabi Azad, a long-time colleague and former Congress politician, recalled Patil as a "family friend for over 45 years" in addition to being a fellow Union Minister. He was "honest, soft-spoken, and deeply dignified," according to Azad, who also said that the loss was "immense" for everyone who knew him.

Regional leaders also paid tribute. HD Kumaraswamy, the former chief minister of Karnataka, expressed profound sadness over the death of a "dignified and seasoned public figure," highlighting Patil's lifetime commitment to serving the public through a variety of constitutional duties.
At the age of 90, Patil, a former Union Home Minister, passed away at home in Latur. He died at home earlier in the day after being ill for a few days.