‘Lost an Irreplaceable Comrade,’ says Sonia Gandhi   

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel passed away as a result of multiple organ failure due to post-COVID-19 complications. One of Sonia Gandhi’s closest aides, the 71-year-old veteran leader had tested positive for coronavirus nearly two months ago and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Medanta Hospital in Haryana’s Gurugram on November 15.

Ahmed Patel’s son, Faisal Patel took to Twitter and confirmed that the Rajya Sabha MP died at 3.30 AM on November 25. Messages of condolences and tributes poured in soon after the announcement of Ahmed Patel's death. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, and other political leaders have expressed grief over the demise of the veteran Congress Leader.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi took to her Twitter handle to condole the demise of the Congress Party's top strategist. She wrote: “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.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid his tributes. Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “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.”

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed condolences to the veteran leader. She tweeted: “Ahmed Ji was not only a wise and experienced colleague to whom I constantly turned for advice and counsel, but he was also 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.”

The son of a social worker, Ahmed Patel started his political career by contesting local body elections in Gujarat in 1976. He represented Gujarat eight times in parliament - thrice as a Lok Sabha member and five times from the Rajya Sabha.