Veteran Congress Leader Ahmed Patel Passes Away At 71 Due To Covid-19 Complications

Several politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and others expressed their grief over the demise of Ahmed Patel.

(File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who was under treatment in the national capital, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday due to Coronavirus. The announcement of his unfortunate demise was made by his son Faisal Patel. As per reports, Ahmed Patel passed away at around 3:30 am on November 25. "After testing positive for Covid-19 around a month back, his health worsened further due to multiple organ failures," the statement went on to add," Congress party said in an official statement on Twitter. Faisal has requested well-wishers of his father to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines and avoid any kind of mass gatherings to mourn the death of Congress leader.

@ahmedpatel pic.twitter.com/7bboZbQ2A6

— Faisal Patel (@mfaisalpatel) November 24, 2020

Soon after the news of his sudden demise was made public, several politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and others expressed their grief. "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.

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

A Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and Treasurer of the Indian National Congress, Ahmed Patel was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Medanta Hospital in Haryana's Gurugram on November 15. On October 1, Ahmed Patel announced that he had tested positive for the novel Coronavirus and also requested all those who came in close contact with him, to self isolate. Even Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter and condoled the demised of his party leader. "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," he wrote.

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

Patel (71) was 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. He had often steered the party out of difficult situations.