Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday at a private hospital in Gurugram after getting infected with the Wuhan virus.
A staunch Gandhi family loyalist, Ahmed Patel was the crisis manager for Congress who kept low profile but exerted great influence within the party. He was the gatekeeper for Sonia Gandhi and had access to the Gandhi family that no other person in the party had.
Ahmed Patel served as a key link between the Congress party and the government when the UPA was in power from 2004 to 2014 as he refused to be part of the Cabinet. He became a well known face after he won the 1977 Lok Sabha election from Baruch in Gujarat when the country was riding the Janata Party wave.
Born August 21, 1949, Patel pursued a B.Sc from the South Gujarat University. He was a 3 time Lok Sabha MP and was into his fifth term as Rajya Sabha MP.
As political secretary for Sonia Gandhi for 16 years, he became the go to person in Congress to resolve issues pertaining both within and outside the party by being a bridge between the top leadership and the ground functionaries. His rapport with leaders across party lines helped in providing crucial inputs for the party.
He was one of the Gandhi loyalist who was unhappy over the letter sent by 23 senior leaders of the party. He had mentioned that they must have conveyed their views in person to Sonia Gandhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences and said that he was known for his sharp mind and his work in strengthening the party.
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 him a pillar of the party and a tremendous asset. “He lived and breathed Congress and stood with the party through its most difficult times. He was a tremendous asset.” Rahul Gandhi said in his condolence message.
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