Former deputy chief minister and home minister of Maharashtra RR Patil who had been battling cancer for three months succumbed to the disease after a multiple organ failure Monday at Lilavati hospital here.
Patil, 57, was a senior NCP leader and served as Maharashtra home minister during the 26/11 attacks.
Patil was considered very close to NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
Here is how the top political leaders and others reacted to his demise.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “It is sad moment for Maharashtra. He worked for common people and his politics were to benefit them. His final rites will be conducted with full state honours.” Fadnavis added that according to him Patil was known for his “haazir jawabi” during sessions and no one could match up his wit.
BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, “I pay my respects and homage to RR Patil’s memory. He was one politician with a clean heart and forthcoming on various issues. He built his reputation through his own work. I’m sad about his untimely death.”
“He has done major contributions to the party and we have lost a big person today,” NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said.
However, many used micro-blogging site Twitter to express their condolences.
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
My condolences and prayers for the departed soul of Shri RR Patil ji (former Home Minister of Maharashtra) @MahaBJP
— Amit Shah (@AmitShahOffice) February 16, 2015
I hugely disagreed with him on most things. But it’s sad to see him go. @firstpost Former Maharashtra home minister RR Patil passes away.
— Pritish Nandy (@PritishNandy) February 16, 2015
