Sonia Gandhi Loses Pillar Of Support, Mourns "Friend" Ahmed Patel: "Irreplaceable Comrade"

Sonia Gandhi Loses Pillar Of Support, Mourns "Friend" Ahmed Patel: "Irreplaceable Comrade"

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi, mourning the death of Ahmed Patel, one of her closest aides, said that she had lost an "irreplaceable comrade, faithful colleague, and friend". The senior Congress leader,71, died early this morning, weeks after contracting coronavirus.

"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.

"I have lost an irreplaceable comrade, a faithful colleague, and a friend. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support."

For years Ahmed Patel served as Sonia Gandhi's political secretary for years and was believed to be part of every key decision she made. Ahmed Patel the Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat was close to the Nehru-Gandhi family and also advised former PM Rajiv Gandhi.

Ahmed Patel as the youth congress leader was chosen at 28 by Indira Gandhi to the Lok Sabha elections in 1977 from Bharuch in Gujarat.

Rahul Gandhi in his tribute described him as the pillar of the Congress party and said: "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, and the family."

Several Congress leaders expressed grief and shock.

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