NEW DELHI: Congress veteran and AICC treasurer Ahmed Patel passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday losing his two-month-old battle against Covid.
Patel (71) died of multiorgan failure while being admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. His son Faisal and daughter Mumtaz broke the news on Twitter early on Wednesday.
“With profound grief and 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 well-wishers to adhere to the Covid regulations by avoiding mass gathering and following social distancing.
On October 1, Patel has announced his Covid positive status on Twitter.
Tributes poured in after the demise of a leader most politicians describe as a colossus in Indian politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the condolences, saying, “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.”
Patel was a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and a serving political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi. He was also the party’s chief crisis manager.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Patel as a tremendous asset. “It is a sad day. Ahmed Patel was a pillar for the Congress Party. He lives and breathed the Congress and stood with the party through its most difficult times.He was a tremendous asset,” said Rahul.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed shock at the demise of Ahmed Patel saying he was one of the most trusted leaders of the Congress Party and a great friend to him.
“His passing away is an irreparable loss to the Congress Party,” said Singh.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a message to Patel’s son said, “We have lost a leader who dedicated his life to the Congress party. Ahmed ji epitomized courage and loyalty in public life. He stood by the Congress party through its most difficult times. I will miss his wisdom, his intellect and his unwavering commitment to the Congress party.”
Gandhi said Patel‘s memory would continue to guide the party and inspire every Congress worker to carry forward the mission.
AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recalled Patel’s wisdom, saying, “Ahmed ji was not only a wise and experienced colleague to whom I constantly turned for advice and counsel, he was a friend who stood by us all, steadfast, loyal, and dependable to the end.
His passing away leaves an immense void. May his soul rest in peace.”
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expresses shock at the demise of the leader who saw the Congress through many a crisis and remained political secretary to Sonia Gandhi for most part of her tenure as the longest serving Congress chief.