Congress loses crisis manager Ahmed Patel to Covid

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 25

Congress veteran and AICC Treasurer Ahmed Patel passed away in wee hours of Wednesday losing his nearly two month battle against COVID 19. Patel was 71.

Patel died of multi organ failure while being admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. His son Faisal and daughter Mumtaz broke the news on Twitter early today.

“With profound grief and 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 and follow social distancing at all times,” Faisal Patel tweeted.

— Faisal Patel (@mfaisalpatel) November 24, 2020

On October 1, Ahmed Patel has disclosed his Covid positive status on Twitter.

Tributes poured in after the untimely devise of a leader most politicians describe as a

colossus of Indian politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the condolences saying “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

Patel was a Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and a serving political secretary to Congress President Sonia Gandhi. He was also the party’s chief crisis manager.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Patel as a tremendous asset.

“It is a sad day. Ahmed Patel was a pillar for the Congress Party. He lives and breathed the Congress ans stood with the party through its most difficult times.He was a tremendous asset,” said Rahul.

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

AICC General Secretary

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra recalled Patel’s wisdom saying “Ahmed ji was not only a wise and experienced colleague to whom I constantly turned for advice and counsel, he was a friend who stood by us all, steadfast, loyal, and dependable to the end.

Ahmed ji was not only a wise and experienced colleague to whom I constantly turned for advice and counsel, he was a friend who stood by us all, steadfast, loyal, and dependable to the end.
His passing away leaves an immense void. May his soul rest in peace.

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) November 25, 2020

His passing away leaves an immense void. May his soul rest in peace.“

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot expresses shock at the demise of the leader who saw the Congress through many a crisis and remained political secretary to Sonia

Gandhi for most part of her tenure as the longest serving Congress chief.