Congress veteran Ahmed Patel is no more

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, one of Sonia Gandhi's closest political advisers, died in early hours of Wednesday due to multiple organ failures after having tested positive for the coronavirus disease last month, his son Faisal Patel announced in a tweet. He was 71.The veteran politician had been at Medanta Hospital since his health worsened after a Covid infection. In a tweet at around 4 am, his son, Faisal Patel, said that the Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat died at 3.30 am. Popularly known as ‘Babu bhai’, ‘Ahmed Bhai’ and ‘AP’ in political circles, Patel had been the chief crisis manager, the key trouble shooter, the go-to man in emergency situations and a master strategist for the Congress for decades.

A Gandhi family loyalist, Patel was one of the most powerful leaders in the Congress and is said to have repeatedly turned down the offers to join the central government when the party was in power. Messages of condolences and tributes poured in soon after the announcement of Patel's death. Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi in her condolence, said she has lost an irrepleacable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend". "I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress party," Mrs Gandhi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the seasoned politician, saying "his role in strengthening the Congress Party would always be remembered".

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

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called Patel a pillar of the 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," Mr Gandhi tweeted.