Ahmed Patel passes away: Ram Nath Kovind, Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi and others pay tribute
The 71-year-old leader died at 3.30 am after suffering from multiple organ failure, 10 days after he was admitted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel passed away in the early hours of Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a Gurugram hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.
The 71-year-old leader died at 3.30 am after suffering from multiple organ failure, 10 days after he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. The Rajya Sabha MP had tested positive for COVID-19 on 1 October.
His son Faisal Patel shared the news through a tweet and requested all well-wishers to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations by avoiding mass gatherings.
@ahmedpatel pic.twitter.com/7bboZbQ2A6
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— Faisal Patel (@mfaisalpatel) November 24, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind said Patel "combined the skills of a strategist and the charm of a mass leader".
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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 25, 2020
Congress president Sonia Gandhi said she lost an "irreplaceable comrade, faithful colleague and friend". "In Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party. His faithfulness and dedication, his commitment to his duty, his always being there to help, his generosity were rare qualities that distinguished him from others," wrote Sonia Gandhi. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters, "I have lost a brother, friend and colleague. He was a strong pillar for the Congress Party. His passing away is an irreparable loss for the party."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the leader's role in strengthening of the Congress party, while Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu hailed his ability to "maintain cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum".
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
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Rajya Sabha MP, Shri Ahmed Patel. He was an able parliamentarian and always maintained cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum. My condolences to the bereaved family members. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/9HTNA1vLlr
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) November 25, 2020
Rahul Gandhi mourned the loss of a "tremendous asset, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remembered constantly "turning to him for advice".
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
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
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said in a tweet in Hindi that Patel always considered the party as his family and served with loyalty, leaving a mark on the hearts of leaders across political lines. Meanwhile, party leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi remembered "one of the most unflappable, sharpest, focused political minds" whom he had worked with for 20 years.
निशब्द..
जिन्हें हर छोटा बड़ा, दोस्त, साथी..विरोधी भी...एक ही नाम से सम्मान देते- ‘अहमद भाई’!
वो जिन्होंने सदा निष्ठा व कर्तव्य निभाया,
वो जिन्होंने सदा पार्टी को ही परिवार माना,
वो जिन्होंने सदा राजनीतिक लकीरें मिटा दिलों पर छाप छोड़ी,
अब भी विश्वास नही..
अलविदा “अहमद जी”🙏 pic.twitter.com/NRCwHPNZLl— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 25, 2020
#AP was one of the most unflappable, sharpest, focused political minds I have encountered. He had an unmatched talent to cut to the chase & his memory recall, connecting names & people to events for the job on hand was unprecedented. Huge loss for #Congress
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) November 25, 2020
Had talked to #AP several times initially during illness. AP wld seek my advice as a #COVID senior!During #Bihar, he said he had done several virtual meetings &I admonished him since he had just returned from faridabad hosp. I Also queried #feisal re late adm 2medanta.
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) November 25, 2020
Interacted &worked on several issues with #AP over 20 long years. Always calm &rock steady, he was a solutions man. No frills person, he wld cut 2core of problem, speak least &yet guide the discussion 2a concrete solution. His political instincts, intuition &experience unmatched
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) November 25, 2020
BJP chief JP Nadda, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy also paid rich tributes to the departed Congress leader.
Deeply anguished to hear about the demise of veteran Congress leader Shri Ahmed Patel Ji. I pray for strength to the family members and his supporters at this hour of grief.
Om Shanti
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) November 25, 2020
કોંગ્રેસના વરિષ્ઠ નેતા અને રાજ્યસભાના સાંસદ શ્રી અહેમદભાઈ પટેલના દુઃખદ અવસાનથી શોકમગ્ન છું. કોંગ્રેસ પાર્ટીને મજબૂત બનાવવામાં તેમની ભૂમિકા અને તેમના સામાજીક કાર્યો હંમેશા યાદ રહેશે.
પ્રભુ એમના આત્માને શાંતિ અર્પે અને પરિવારને આ દુ:ખ સહન કરવાની શક્તિ બક્ષે એ જ પ્રાર્થના.
ૐ શાંતિ
— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) November 25, 2020
Shocked to know abt the demise of Ahmed Patel ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters. May his soul rest in peace.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 25, 2020
Shri Ahmed Patel senior congress leader pillar of congress party passed away today His loss is huge loss to congress party and congress leadership No one can fill the void I lost my brother His services to party will always remain May his soul rest in peace
— V.Narayanasamy (@VNarayanasami) November 25, 2020
Leaders across Congress ranks paid rich tribute to the Rajya Sabha MP, with Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Maharashtra minister Amit Deshmukh and party leaders Manish Tewari, Karti P Chidambaram, Ramesh Chennithala and Sushmita Dev expressing shock over Patel's death.
The grief that people across party lines and generations are expressing today and the affection with which they remember Ahmed ji says much about his generosity and warmth.
- Shri. Mallikarjun Kharge expressing his deepest condolences to Shri. Ahmed Patel ji's family pic.twitter.com/M1dRiqEqMS
— Congress (@INCIndia) November 25, 2020
I am shocked to know about the sad demise of of my close friend for years senior Congress leader Mr. Ahmed Patel.
It is a personal loss to me. His untimely death is such a loss for the congress family that can never be fulfilled.
My condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/7e5zm8jQl6— Office Of Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) November 25, 2020
Dear @mfaisalpatel, Shri Ahmed Patel leaves a void that no one can fill. We will miss his him dearly. May Allah give you and your family strength. @ahmedpatel https://t.co/X5pEBDdu7Y
— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) November 25, 2020
A terribly sad day. My tributes to Ahmed Patel. pic.twitter.com/dvXKDirghr
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) November 25, 2020
Deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the untimely passing away of veteran Congress leader & friend Sh. #AhmedPatel ji. It is a great loss for Congress Party and all Congress workers like me. His contribution to the party will always be remembered.
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) November 25, 2020
I am shocked and deeply saddened to know of sudden demise of Shri. Ahmed Patel Ji, a loyalist, hardworker, strategist, troubleshooter, multifaceted leader of the Indian National Congress. It is an irreparable loss to me personally and my party. #RipAhmedPatel @mfaisalpatel pic.twitter.com/ol9ezk2uj3
— Amit V. Deshmukh (@AmitV_Deshmukh) November 25, 2020
I first met @ahmedpatel in May of 1984. He & Oscar Fernandes were Joint Secy’s in AICC & used to sit towards rear of the building.
A bond evolved over the years. 36 years later I never ever thought I would have to Tweet my condolences. He was a noble soul. RIP Sir @mfaisalpatel pic.twitter.com/LdO4E5Je4U— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) November 25, 2020
He will be remembered as an institution in the Congress, a light-house to many of us in difficult times... My commiserations, I share the burden with the grieved family. 2/2
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) November 25, 2020
Shocked by the passing away of Shri @ahmedpatel I recollect fondly my interactions with him. We, @INCIndia, have lost a stalwart. My prayers are with @mfaisalpatel & his family. https://t.co/mYGrN9rIdL
— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) November 25, 2020
Shocked to know about the passing away of Shri Ahmed Patel ji.
He was the captain of India's secular alliance , a hardworking politician and a true statesman. His demise is a great loss to the nation#AhmadPatel pic.twitter.com/IbeXUgDHFl— Ramesh Chennithala (@chennithala) November 25, 2020
This is devastating news. @ahmedpatel ji was a pillar of strength for me personally and the party. A patient hearing was his most imp trait. Always gave me sound advise in difficult moments.
My deepest condolences to his family & friends. @mfaisalpatel ji. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/DzsocQFpBv
— Sushmita Dev (@sushmitadevinc) November 25, 2020
Leaders across party lines paid tributes to Patel, with AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi calling his demise an "indescribable loss" and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut saying, "All workers in politics can learn loyalty from him."
Deeply grieved at the untimely passing away of Sh Ahmed Patel, veteran political leader and a Congressman all his life.
With his warm and pleasing manners he could reach out across the entire political spectrum.
A big loss to Indian politics & Constitutional values. pic.twitter.com/eT2ZCTCU6Y— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 25, 2020
Deeply pained and saddened to hear about the demise of Sh. Ahmed Patel Ji. Deepest condolences to his family, friends and well wishers. May His soul rest in peace!
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) November 25, 2020
My deepest condolences to Ahmed bhai's (@ahmedpatel) family, friends & colleagues. My Allah grant him maghfirah & his well wishers sabr. He had an amazing stamina when it came to politics. This is an indescribable loss & his absence will definitely be felt for a very long time
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) November 25, 2020
I am deeply saddened by the demise of senior Congress leader and my esteemed colleague Thiru. Ahmed Patel. His contribution to the Congress party and the country is immeasurable. I share the grief of his family members and the Congress party.#ahmedpatel pic.twitter.com/3V7mfnkGv7
— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) November 25, 2020
Deeply saddened to know about the passing away of @ahmedpatel ji. In my interaction with him over the past year, I came to know him as someone very accommodative, open to ideas and different perspectives. My prayers for his soul and his family
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) November 25, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Congress Stalwar Shri #AhmedPatel, he was respected by all parties.
My deepest condolences to the family & Prayers for #AhmedBhai.#RestInPeace
— Abu Asim Azmi (@abuasimazmi) November 25, 2020
The Congress treasurer was Lok Sabha MP for three terms from 1977 to 1989 and Rajya Sabha MP since 1993 representing Gujarat. Patel also served as the political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and was one of the party’s top negotiators during the UPA regime.
He breathed his last two days after another senior Congress leader and the longest serving chief minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, passed away on Monday due to a prolonged illness.
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