Veteran Congress leader and freedom fighter S.R Patil, affectionately known as Appasaheb or Sa Re Patil, passed away on Tuesday. He was 94.
Hailing from Kolhapur in Western Maharashtra, Appasaheb was widely praised and known for his work in the state’s cooperative sector with respect to sugar factories.
“Whether it was building the cooperative movement in the state or taking initiative in the movement to make Mumbai part of Maharashtra in 50s, he had the lion’s share,” said Ashok Chavan, president, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).
He was also the oldest member of the Legislative Assembly. However, he lost for the first time from the Shirol assembly constituency in the recently conducted state elections to Shiv Sena’s Ulhas Patil.
“His dedication to the development of cooperative sector and of the state was unparallel. His decision to donate his body after death is also an inspiration to many,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
