Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, one of Sonia Gandhi’s closest political advisers, died at a Gurgaon hospital this morning. He was 71. The veteran politician had been at Medanta Hospital since his health worsened after a Covid infection. In a tweet at around 4 am, his son, Faisal Patel, said that the Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat died at 3.30 am
“With profound grief & sorrow, I regret to announce the sad and untimely demise of my father, Mr. Ahmed Patel at 25/11/2020, 03:30 AM. After testing positive for COVID-19 around a month back, his health worsened further due to multiple organ failures. May Allah grant him Jannatul firdaus, inshallah,” he tweeted, requesting all their well-wishers to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations by avoiding mass gatherings.
“…also maintain social distancing norms at all times,” Faisal Patel said in the statement.
@ahmedpatel pic.twitter.com/7bboZbQ2A6
— Faisal Patel (@mfaisalpatel) November 24, 2020
Messages of condolences and tributes poured in soon after the announcement of Mr Patel’s death.
Mourning the death of Mr Patel, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said she has lost an “irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend”. “I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress party,” Mrs Gandhi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the seasoned politician, saying “his role in strengthening the Congress Party would always be remembered”.
“Saddened by the demise of Ahmed Patel Ji. He spent years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the Congress Party would always be remembered. Spoke to his son Faisal and expressed condolences. May Ahmed Bhai’s soul rest in peace,” PM Modi tweeted.
Saddened by the demise of Ahmed Patel Ji. He spent years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the Congress Party would always be remembered. Spoke to his son Faisal and expressed condolences. May Ahmed Bhai’s soul rest in peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2020
Top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Mr Patel a “pillar of the Congress party”. “He lived and breathed Congress and stood with the party through its most difficult times. He was a tremendous asset. We will miss him. My love and condolences to Faisal, Mumtaz & the family,” Mr Gandhi tweeted.
Source: NDTV
