Tributes have poured in for Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel after the veteran Congress leader passed away at the age of 71. Patel, who acted as one of the closest political advisors to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, died at a private hospital in Gurgaon.
Sonia Gandhi said in a statement, “In Sh. 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 and support.”
Reacting to his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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.”
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
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter, “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.”
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
The news of Patel’s death was shared by his son, Faisal, on Twitter as he wrote, “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, requesting all their well-wishers to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations by avoiding mass gatherings.”
@ahmedpatel pic.twitter.com/7bboZbQ2A6
— Faisal Patel (@mfaisalpatel) November 24, 2020
The late Congress leader had tested positive for COVID-19 a few weeks ago.
Tributes have poured in on the tragic death of Patel:
Deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the untimely passing away of veteran Congress leader & friend Sh. #AhmedPatel ji. It is a great loss for Congress Party and all Congress workers like me. His contribution to the party will always be remembered.
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) 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
Saddened by the demise of Shri @ahmedpatel ji. Though my interaction with him was brief..he was so very kind n encouraging. My prayers for his departed soul. Deepest condolences to @mfaisalpatel n his family ????#RipAhmedPatel
— Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) November 25, 2020
I first met @ahmedpatel in May of 1984. He & Oscar Fernandes were Joint Secy’s in AICC & used to sit towards rear of the building.
A bond evolved over the years. 36 years later I never ever thought I would have to Tweet my condolences. He was a noble soul. RIP Sir @mfaisalpatel pic.twitter.com/LdO4E5Je4U— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) November 25, 2020