From PM Modi to Anna Hazare: Leaders condole the demise of RR Patil

Political leaders cutting across party lines condoled the death of former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP leader Raosaheb Ramrao Patil on Monday. [caption id=“attachment_2102341” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] RR Patil passed away at the Lilavati Hospital due to cancer. IBNLive[/caption] RR Patil was undergoing treatment for oral cancer at the Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, where he succumbed to his illness on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Patil, saying his death left a “void” in Maharashtra’s politics. “My thoughts are with Shri R R Patil’s family. (I) am saddened to know of his demise, which leaves a void in Maharashtra politics,” Modi tweeted.

My thoughts are with Shri RR Patil's family.Am saddened to know of his demise, which leaves a void in Maharashtra politics: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 16, 2015

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described him as a “grassroot politician and a remarkable legislator”. Fadnavis visited Lilavati Hospital where Patil breathed his last, to pay his respects and said that the demise of the NCP leader is a “very sad moment” for him and the people of Maharashtra. “Patil’s funeral will be conducted with full state honours (tomorrow) and a one-day mourning will be observed as mark of respect,” Fadnavis said. Patil was a sensitive leader for whom welfare of the common man was a prime concern, the Chief Minister said, adding, the state required many more years of service from Patil. BJP President Amit Shah also condoled the demise of former Maharashtra home minister and NCP leader RR Patil. “My condolences and prayers for the departed soul of Shri RR Patil ji (former Home Minister of Maharashtra),” Shah posted on Twitter.

My condolences and prayers for the departed soul of Shri RR Patil ji (former Home Minister of Maharashtra) @MahaBJP

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 16, 2015

Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao expressing condolences on Patil’s said in a message, “RR Patil was one of the most popular mass leaders from the state who left a distinct mark on the political space in Maharashtra”. “Patil personified values of honesty and simplicity in public life. He served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and handled the crucial portfolio of Home at a critical juncture”. “Patil who came from a humble background always maintained contacts with people of the state and with his electorate. In his demise, at a relatively young age, Maharashtra has lost a seasoned parliamentarian and a committed social worker”. “I pay my respects to the memory of late Patil and convey my heartfelt condolences to members of the bereaved family,” he said. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi hailed Patil as a “grass-roots leader” who served the people of Maharashtra. Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal described the passing away of Patil, a six-term MLA from Tasgaon in Sangli district, as “tragic and unfortunate” saying the party has lost a strong pillar. A visibly-shaken Bhujbal told reporters outside the Lilavati Hospital that Patil’s organs started failing since Sunday and doctors tried their level best to revive him. “It is sad that Patil could not be revived,” he said. NCP chief Sharad Pawar said it would take him years to digest the fact that RR Patil is no more. “The current cleanliness drive of the central government was implemented by Patil ten years ago in the state under the Sant Gadgebaba cleanliness campaign,” Pawar said. Former Chief Minister and Congress veteran Prithviraj Chavan said he was “shocked” by the news of Patil’s demise. “He was a hardworking politician for whom the concern for common man was paramount. As Home Minister in my cabinet, we took decisions through consultations,” he recalled. Former state Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said his late father SB Chavan saw the spark in young Patil and would describe him as a very clever boy while wishing him luck for his future political journey. “(During my stint) As chief minister, Patil helped me to have a good coordination with NCP,” Chavan recalled. BJP MP from Sangli Sanjay Kaka Patil, who was Patil’s rival in the district politics, described the late NCP leader as a formidable opponent. “We had ideological differences, but never took our rivalry too personally. We fought against each other in 1999 and 2004 Assembly polls and even the last year’s Lok Sabha polls were tough,” Sanjaykaka Patil said. Noted anti-graft activist Anna Hazare described Patil as an “ideal leader and a grassroot worker.” State unit Congress president Manikrao Thakre recalled his close association of last 25 years with Patil since their Youth Congress days. “I have seen his rise closely. When the Congress-NCP government came to power, he asked for the rural development portfolio to ensure that he stays connected to his rural roots,” Thakre said. In his condolence message, senior BJP leader and state Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse said he has lost a very close friend. “I have family relations with him inspite of harsh criticism. He never allowed bitterness to come in way of our friendship. Patil was a rare type of mass leader,” Khadse recalled. Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve said Patil was a leader without blemish. “He was without blemish and a cultured leader from rural Maharashtra,” Danve said. (With inputs from PTI)