20 December,2025 09:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Former Maharashtra Minister Shalinitai Patil passed away in Mumbai on Saturday. Pic/X(@AjitPawarSpeaks)
Former Maharashtra minister Shalinitai Patil, the wife of late chief minister Vasantdada Patil, passed away in Mumbai on Saturday. She was 94, reported the PTI.
Shalinitai Patil held ministerial posts in several Congress-led governments during the 1980s. She rose through the political ranks from being a member of the Satara district council to becoming president of the Congress women's wing.
During her long public career, she represented Sangli in the Lok Sabha and also served as an MLA from Koregaon. She was known for her strong views and direct style of politics.
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar described her as a forthright and outspoken leader.
"She criticised me as openly as she conveyed Vasantrao Patil's message to colleagues, urging them to accept Sharad's leadership. She never hesitated to express her views," Pawar said.
He added that Shalinitai Patil was a clear-speaking leader, a scholar of law, and a former minister who left a lasting mark on public life.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said Maharashtra had lost a distinguished personality. "I pay my heartfelt tribute to Shalinitai Patil. By standing firmly by late Vasantrao Patil throughout his life, she made a valuable contribution to social and public life," he said.
Udayanraje Bhosale, MP from Satara, said her guidance had been inspirational at many stages of his political and social life. He recalled her advice during difficult times, her lessons in patience, and her commitment to honest public service.
"Though she is no longer with us, her thoughts and guidance will continue to inspire us," Bhosale said.
Anti-corruption activist Anjali Damania on Saturday expressed deep grief over the passing of former Maharashtra minister Shalinitai Patil.
In a post on X, Damania said she was saddened by the news, recalling that Shalinitai Patil had recently called her to meet and that they had last met on November 12.
She said Patil had openly expressed her displeasure over Ajit Pawar during their interaction. Damania added that she had promised to carry forward Shalinitai Patil's struggle and paid her a heartfelt tribute.
Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MP Supriya Sule on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former MP and former Maharashtra minister Shalinitai Patil.
In a post on X, Sule said Patil had made a significant contribution to both political and social life and was known for putting forward her views firmly and standing by them. She said Patil's passing marked the loss of an active and impactful personality from Maharashtra's political and social sphere, and paid her heartfelt tribute.
(with PTI inputs)
