Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 20: Former Maharashtra minister and senior Congress leader Shalinitai Patil, wife of late chief minister Vasantdada Patil, passed away in Mumbai on Saturday. She was 94.
A veteran politician, Shalinitai Patil held several key ministerial portfolios in Congress-led governments during the 1980s. Her political journey began at the grassroots level as a member of the Satara district council, from where she steadily rose to become president of the Congress women’s wing. She later represented Sangli in the Lok Sabha and served as an MLA from Koregaon, earning a reputation for her forthright views and no-nonsense style of politics.
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar remembered her as an outspoken and principled leader. Recalling their interactions, Pawar said she never hesitated to express her opinions, whether it was conveying Vasantdada Patil’s messages to party colleagues or openly criticising him when she disagreed. He described her as a clear-speaking leader, a scholar of law, and a former minister who left a lasting imprint on Maharashtra’s public life.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the state had lost a distinguished personality. Paying tribute, he noted that Shalinitai Patil stood firmly by late Vasantdada Patil throughout his life and made significant contributions to social and public life in her own right.
Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale said her guidance had been a source of inspiration at several crucial stages of his political and social journey. He recalled her advice during challenging times, her emphasis on patience, and her commitment to honest public service, adding that her thoughts and values would continue to inspire future generations.
Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania expressed deep grief over Patil’s demise, recalling that they had met recently after Patil had personally called her. Damania said Shalinitai Patil had spoken candidly about her concerns over political developments and added that she would strive to carry forward Patil’s struggle and ideals.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also mourned the passing of the former MP and minister, stating that Shalinitai Patil made a significant contribution to Maharashtra’s political and social life.
Known for firmly articulating and standing by her views, her death marks the loss of an active and impactful personality from the state’s public sphere, Sule said while paying her heartfelt tribute.