Stalwart of Congress Party. His popularity in the Indian political system can be gauged from the fact that he had the rare distinction of being unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 10th Lok Sabha. Born on October 12, 1935 at Chakur in Latur district of Maharashtra. Higher education in Law from Osmania University and Mumbai University.

In 1972, he entered the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1980 from Latur. Since then he has held various important positions in the central government till 1998. In 1991, Shri Patil was unanimously elected to the post of the Speaker of Lok Sabha.

He has handled number of ministries in the union cabinet and currently he is Governor of Punjab and Administrator Union territory of Chandigarh, In addition he is also acting as Governor of Rajasthan.