Ahmed patel passes away, Sonia Gandhi PM Modi sends condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Congress president Sonia Gandhi paid tributes to senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, who died on Wednesday morning.

Mr. Kovind tweeted, “Very sad to hear that Congress leader Ahmed Patel is no more. An astute Parliamentarian, Shri Patel combined the skills of a strategist and the ability of a mass leader. He had friends across party lines. My condolences to his family and friends.”

Mr. Modi met Mr. Patel’s son Faisal Patel and family. “Distressed by the passing 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,” he tweeted.

Ms. Gandhi said that in his death she had lost an “irreplaceable comrade, faithful party member and a good friend.” He dedicated his entire life to the Congress, she noted. She paid her condolences by saying “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. I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague and a friend”.

Ahmed Patel passed away after multiple organ failure and after his death the Congress has lost its only non-Gandhi leader who ruled the party without ever being in power or a position in ministry. Patel brought Shiv Sena to congress who was Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) oldest allies on board. This is known to be one of the biggest political masterstroke by the opposition party since 2014.

Ahmed patel passes away, Sonia Gandhi PM Modi sends condolences