Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and Treasurer of the Indian National Congress, Ahmed Patel passed away in the early hours of Wednesday owing to multiple organ failure after he was diagnosed with coronavirus, his son Faisal said.
Ahmed Patel, 71, was undergoing treatment at a Gurugram hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Medanta Hospital in Haryana’s Gurugram on November 15.
“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
In a tweet on October 1, Ahmed Patel had announced, “I have tested positive for Covid19. I request all those who came in close contact with me recently, to self isolate.”
An eight-time parliamentarian, Ahmed Patel served three terms in the Lok Sabha and five terms in the Rajya Sabha. He was appointed as the Treasurer of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in August 2018.
Ahmed Patel began his political career by contesting local body elections in Gujarat’s Bharuch district in 1976. He later took charge of the Congress’ organisational structure both in Gujarat and at the Centre.
In 1985, he was appointed Parliament Secretary to the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Ahmed Patel also played a key role in setting up the Narmada Management Authority to oversee the Sardar Sarovar Project
Several political leaders expressed their condolences at the passing away of the Congress stalwart. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to say: “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.”
