Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Pate, one of Sonia Gandhi’s closest political advisers, died at a Gurgaon hospital this 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.”
Messages of condolences and tributes poured in soon after the announcement of Mr Patel’s death
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.
Ahmed Patel has for long been the power centre in Congress being party president Sonia Gandhi’s political secretary. He had also earlier worked as Parliamentary Secretary for her husband Rajiv Gandhi in 1985. He was appointed the treasurer of the party in 2018 after the long time treasurer Motilal Vohra bowed out.
An eight-time parliamentarian, Ahmed Patel served three terms in the Lok Sabha and five terms in the Rajya Sabha.
