Sonia Gandhi (File Photo)
New Delhi, November 25 (IANS): Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday while condoling the death of Ahmed Patel said she has lost a dedicated Congress colleague.
"In Sh. Ahmed Patel, I have lost a colleague, whose entire life was dedicated to the Congress Party." she said
She said, "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. I mourn his passing and I feel deeply for his bereaved family to whom I offer my sincere feelings of empathy and support," she added
Scores of Congress leaders condoled Ahmed Patel's death, "It is very hard to come to terms with Ahmed patel Ji's passing. He was a political troubleshooter par excellence & will be sorely missed by all. "Ahmedbhai" was also a close friend of my late father's & a mentor to me," tweeted Milind Deora.
B.K. Hariprasad said in a tweet, "Its very saddening to know about the demise of Shri Ahmad patel ji. Congress has lost one of its greatest son. I am at loss of words at his death. May his soul rest in peace. May god give strength to his family to cope up with this terrible loss."
PM joins leaders in condoling Ahmed Patel's demise
Condolences poured in on Wednesday as the news spread of the demise of Ahmed Patel, a senior Congress leader and close aide of party chief Sonia Gandhi.
"Saddened by the demise of Ahmed Patelji. 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," Prime Minister Natendra Modi tweeted.
"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," former party chief Rahul Gandhi tweeted on the demise of the 71-year-old Congress stalwart.
"Ahmedji 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," party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said.
"Deeply shocked and saddened to learn that my dear friend Ahmed Patel passed away in the early hours of today. He was a friend in the truest sense, loyal to the party and his colleagues, always wiling to help and always there when one needed him. Whence do we find another like him?" senior leader P. Chidambaram said.
Patel passed away at 3.30 a.m. in a Gurugram hospital following Covid complication, his son Faisal Patel confirmed in a tweet.
He had been battled the deadly virus for more than a month.
