New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and the party’s top strategist Ahmed Patel passed away early on Wednesday morning.
Patel (71) had been critical for a few days and was admitted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. He had contracted COVID-19 and later developed complications.
He was one of the closest aides of party president Sonia Gandhi and was her political adviser.
The Congress leader’s son, Faisal Patel, announced his demise 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,” Faisal said.
@ahmedpatel pic.twitter.com/7bboZbQ2A6
— Faisal Patel (@mfaisalpatel) November 24, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, have condoled his demise.
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
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
In Shri Ahmed Patel, I’ve lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to Congress. I’ve lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague & a friend. Feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy & support: Sonia Gandhi, Congress pic.twitter.com/ygiXEN9JH4
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2020
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Ahmed Patel Ji. My deepest sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 25, 2020
Distressed to know that veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel is no more. An astute Parliamentarian, Shri Patel combined the skills of a strategist and the charm of a mass leader. His amiability won him friends across party lines. My condolences to his family and friends.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 25, 2020
In his condolence message, DMK leader M.K. Stalin called Patel the “lynchpin of the Indian National Congress”.
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Ahmed Patel, who was a lynchpin of the Indian National Congress.
On behalf of the DMK, I extend my condolences to his family as well as the Congress cadres who are mourning his loss. pic.twitter.com/ymWV9rqGlj
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) November 25, 2020
(With PTI inputs)