Congress Veteran and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel passes away at 71 due to post-COVID complications

Congress Veteran Ahmed Patel Passes Away: As per the latest reports, Congress Veteran and Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat Ahmed Patel passed away during wee-hours on Wednesday – 25th November 2020. He passed away at 3:30 AM in the morning at Medanta hospital in Gurgaon where he was undergoing treatment after contracting a COVID infection. His son Faisal Patel has confirmed that Mr Patel succumbed to multiple organ failure after he was diagnosed with coronavirus.

Ahmed Patel had tested positive for COVID-19 infection on October 1, 2020 following which he was admitted to the ICU of Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon on November 15, 2020.

To confirm the news about his demise, his Son Faisal Patel sent out a tweet from his official account during wee hours. The tweet read

@ahmedpatel pic.twitter.com/7bboZbQ2A6

— Faisal Patel (@mfaisalpatel) November 24, 2020

Political Journey

Ahmed Patel was one of the most prominent leaders of Congress and was considered to be a close confidant and political advisors of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. He also held the post of Treasurer of the Indian National Congress.

Mr Patel started his political career by contesting local body elections in Gujarat's Bharuch district in 1976. Later on with his rise within the party, he was allotted charge of the Congress' organisational structure both in Gujarat and at the Centre. He was appointed Parliament Secretary to the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1985. Ahmed Patel also played a key role in setting up the Narmada Management Authority to oversee the Sardar Sarovar Project.

Condolences Pour In

Following the news about Congress Leader Ahmed Patel's passing, condolences started pouring in for the Rajya Sabha MP from all quarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leaders Rahull Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi sent out condolence tweets for the veteran politician.

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

Following demise of Ahmed Patel, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his sorrow saying that he was a pillar of Congress party.

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. pic.twitter.com/sZaOXOIMEX

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 25, 2020

On similar lines, Priyanka Gandhi also sent out a condolence tweet terming Mr Patel as “a friend who stood by us all, steadfast, loyal, and dependable to the end.”

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.

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) November 25, 2020

Patel’s Congress colleague Abhishek Manu Singhvi also sent out a condolence tweet saying 

 

Shocked to hear of demise of #AhmedPatel. Had been talking to his son #feisal almost daily. My impression was #AP was on the mend. Terrible news. May his soul #RIP. #OmShanti.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) November 25, 2020