NEWS PATEL
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and seasoned parliamentarian Ahmed Patel passed away on Wednesday due to health problems complicated by Covid-19 infection. He was 71 and a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat. He is survived by wife Memoona as also son Faizal and daughter Mumtaz.
The death occurred at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon around 3.30am. A close associate of Sonia Gandhi for many years, he maintained a low profile. He was treasurer of the Congress party and also political secretary to Sonia Gandhi. He represented Gujarat in Parliament for eight terms — thrice in Lok Sabha, starting in 1977 from Bharuch constituency, his home turf. He worked closely with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and later with Sonia Gandhi.
His son, Faisal, announced the demise in a tweet at 4am. “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,” he tweeted.
Patel had tested positive for Covid-19 on October 1. He was admitted to the ICU on November 15.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to condole the death of Patel. “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,” The PM tweeted.
Tweeted Rahul Gandhi: “Mr 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.” –IHN-NN
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