Senior Congress Leader Ahmed Patel Passes Away At 71

Gurgaon: Senior Congress leader and Sonia Gandhi’s close political adviser, Ahmed Patel passed away at a hospital here on Wednesday morning. He was 71.

The veteran politician had been admitted to Medanta Hospital after his health condition worsened following COVID-19 infection. His son Faisal Patel, via a tweet at around 4 am, said that the Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat breathed his last at 3.30 am, according to NDTV.

“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 via the statement.

Messages of condolences and tributes poured in soon after the announcement of Patel’s death.

Mourning the demise of 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,” Gandhi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled 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.