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Former Maharashtra CM Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar passes away in Pune
Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar led Maharashtra as a Chief minister between the years 1985-1986.
Former Maharashtra chief minister Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar (89) died at a private hospital in Pune on Wednesday after a prolonged illness, family members and doctors, treating him for old-age-related ailments, said.
Nilangekar, according to Ruby Hall Clinic authorities, was admitted on July 16, a day after he had tested coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positive.
“A confirmatory test result on July 31 showed him cured of the viral infection. However, he developed other health issues, including chronic renal failure and a heart condition,” said Dr. Kapil Zirpe, director, neurotrauma unit, Ruby Hall Clinic.
Nilangekar, a Congress leader, who belonged to Latur in the Marathwada region, was Maharashtra CM between June 1985 and March 1986.
He was compelled to resign from the CM’s post after the Bombay high court (HC) passed strictures against him following the detection of alleged fraud in the state medical college examinations in 1985.
The fraud was allegedly perpetrated at his behest to help his daughter Chandrakala and her friend to get through the medical entrance examinations conducted by the Mumbai University.
Nilangekar was succeeded by another Congress stalwart Shankarrao Chavan as Maharashtra CM.
“Nilangekar’s demise has left the Congress party losing a veteran leader,” tweeted Congress’s Maharashtra unit.
His last rites will be conducted at Nilanga in Latur, around 380 kilometres (km) east of Pune, in the Marathwada region.
