India / Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel passes away at 71

Mumbai: Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel passed away Wednesday morning after he suffered multiple organ failures due to his deteriorating health condition as a result of Covid-19. Patel passed away at 3:30 am this morning, he was 71.

Announcing his father’s demise on Twitter, Faisal Patel said, “I regret to announce the sad and untimely demise of my father, Mr. Ahmed Patel at 25/11/2020, 3:30 AM. After testing positive for Covid-19 around a month back, his health worsened further due to multiple organ failures.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Singh Surjewala condoled Patel’s demise.

“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,” Modi tweeted.

Calling Patel a pillar of his party, Rahul said, “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.”

Patel, who tested positive on October 1, was battling with Covid-19 related complications and was placed under critical care Sunday. Patel’s family had informed that he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon and that his condition was stable. “His condition is stable and he continues to be under medical observation…We request you to pray for his speedy recovery, Faisal had said.

Similarly, Congress communication department head Randeep Surjewala had told The Indian Express: “There is nothing to worry about. He is stable. He has coronavirus. He is being treated at the Medanta hospital. He is on partial ventilator support and he is recovering.”

The Congress treasurer was Lok Sabha MP for three terms from 1977 to 1989 and Rajya Sabha MP since 1993 representing Gujarat. Patel also served as the political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and was one of the party’s top negotiators during the UPA regime.