Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the death of Nationalist Congress Party stalwart and former state home minister R R Patil, describing 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.
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 said 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 R R Patil is no more.
“The current cleanliness drive of the central government was implemented by Patil 10 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of NCP leader R R 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.
Former state chief minister Ashok Chavan said his late father S B 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,” Sanjay Kaka 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 in spite 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.
Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao expressed condolences on the demise of former Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil.
In a message, the Governor said, “R R 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.”
