Gurugram: Senior Congress leader and Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s closest confidante, Ahmed Patel, died of multi organ failure due to COVID-19 in a city hospital here today early morning.
Patel, an eight-term Member of Parliament (5 term as Rajya Sabha member), hailed from Bharuch in Gujarat. He was political secretary to the Congress President, and the treasurer of the Congress Party as well. He lost his prolonged battle to Corona at 3.30 am.
The news of his demise was broken by his son Faisal Patel through a tweet. He stated that after testing positive for COVID-19 around a month back, his father’s health worsened due to multiple organ failures.
Widely hailed as Sonia’s trouble shooter, Ahmed Patel, had emerged as one of the most powerful leaders when the Congress-led United Progressive Front government was at the Centre between 2004 and 2014. A mild mannered and affable politician, he was regarded as Congress’s ‘Chanakya’.
President Ram Nath Kovind in his condolence message said: “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.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too offered his condolences and said, “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.”
In her condolence message, Sonia Gandhi said – “In Shri Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party. His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others. I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy & support.”
Congress leader 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…”
– globalbihari bureau
