Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel dies after fighting against COVID-19

In a tweet, his son Faisal Patel said that the Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat died at 3.30 am today.

"With profound grief & sorrow, I regret to announce the sad & 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.

71-year-old Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and a treasurer of the Congress was undergoing treatment for coronavirus after testing positive last month.

In a tweet on October 1, he had requested those who had come in contact with him to self-isolate.

Patel was an eight-term parliamentarian and considered to be a close aide of interim party president Sonia Gandhi.

President Ram Nath Kovind mourned his death and remarked: "Distressed to know that veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel is no more. An astute Parliamentarian, Shri Patel combined the skills of a strategist and the charm of a mass leader. His amiability won him friends across party lines. My condolences to his family and friends."

Indian PM Narendra Modi mourned his death and 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. "

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi 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."

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remarked: "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."

Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi also mourned the death of her party leader.