Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel was undergoing treatment for COVID-19 in a Gururam based hospital where he took his last breath after multiple organ failure, early on Wednesday morning. The news was confirmed by his son Faisal.
His son Faisal Patel tweeted,"With profound grief, I regret to announce that sad and untimely demise of my father on 25/11 at 3.30 a.m."
"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.
"...also maintain social distancing norms at all times," Faisal Patel said in the statement.
Patel was tested positive for Covid on October 1 and was admitted to the intensive care unit at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram on November 15.
Soon after the news of Mr Patel’s death was announced, tributes and messages of condolences poured in from the political world.
Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram tweeted, "Deeply shocked and saddened to learn that my dear friend Ahmed Patel passed away in the early hours of today...For two decades, he was one of the staunchest pillars of the Congress party and a trusted counsellor. He will be profoundly missed...I offer my tribute to his memory and convey my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family."
Mourning the death of Mr Patel, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said she has lost a faithful friend and colleague. She said, "I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress party.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered the veteran leader by saying that he will always be remembered for the role he played in strengthening the Congress party.
PM Modi tweeted, "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.”
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Rahul Gandhi called Mr Ahmed Patel a "pillar of the Congress party".
Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "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.”
Mr Patel after revealing that he was tested positive for coronavirus, on October 1 had requested all those who came in contact with him in the past few days to undergo self-isolation.