Ahmed Patel dies at 71; 'lost an irreplaceable comrade,' writes Sonia

Senior Congress leader and a close aide of Sonia Gandhi Ahmed Patel breathed his last at Gurgaon-based Medanta Hospital on Wednesday (November 25) morning.  Patel, 71 was being treated after his condition worsened due to COVID-19 infection.

His son Faisal Patel announced his death on Twitter.

“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.

Patel’s demise was condoled by leaders across political lines.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said she has lost “an irreplaceable comrade, faithful colleague and a friend.”

“In Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress party. His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others,” she wrote.

“I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the leader’s role in strengthening the Congress party would always be remembered.

“Saddened by 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 & expressed condolences. May Ahmed Bhai’s soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.

“It is a sad day. Shri Ahmed Patel was 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,” tweeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Patel on October 1 had announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19, urging people who have come in contact with him in the past few days to isolate themselves.

An eight-time MP, Patel was fielded by then prime minister Indira Gandhi to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Bharuch in Gujarat in 1977.

A political secretary to Sonia, Patel is believed to be behind the key decisions of the party. He also served as the parliamentary secretary to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1985.