New Delhi: A staunch loyalist of Nehru-Gandhi family, Ahmed Patel was the go-to man in the Congress who kept a low profile but quietly wielded power and meticulously executed decisions of the leadership. The veteran Congress leader breathed his last at the wee hours of Wednesday at a Gurugram hospital, fighting the COVID-19 and related complications for over a month.

Patel was undergoing treatment after testing positive for the COVID-19. He was 71. “Distressed to know that veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel is no more. An astute Parliamentarian, Shri Patel combined the skills of a strategist and the charm of a mass leader. His amiability won him friends across party lines. My condolences to his family and friends,” Kovind tweeted.

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

Distressed to know that veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel is no more. An astute Parliamentarian, Shri Patel combined the skills of a strategist and the charm of a mass leader. His amiability won him friends across party lines. My condolences to his family and friends.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 25, 2020

Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi’s condolence message on the demise of Shri Ahmed Patel. pic.twitter.com/JiOwjr3j1n

— Congress (@INCIndia) November 25, 2020

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

My deepest condolences to Ahmedji’s whole family, especially Mumtaz and @mfaisalpatel.

Your father’s service and commitment to our party was immeasurable. We will all miss him immensely. May his courage pass on to you and give you strength to face this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/M5x66zC3Sm

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) November 25, 2020

अहमद पटेल नहीं रहे। एक अभिन्न मित्र विश्वसनीय साथी चला गया। हम दोनों सन् ७७ से साथ रहे। वे लोकसभा में पहुँचे मैं विधान सभा में। हम सभी कॉंग्रेसीयों के लिए वे हर राजनैतिक मर्ज़ की दवा थे। मृदुभाषी, व्यवहार कुशल और सदैव मुस्कुराते रहना उनकी पहचान थी।
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— Digvijaya Singh (@digvijaya_28) November 24, 2020

Deeply shocked and saddened to learn that my dear friend Ahmed Patel passed away in the early hours of today

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 25, 2020

Deeply saddened by the passing away of Ahmedbhai . I am personally aggrieved because of our long and steadfast friendship. He was central to the functioning of the Congress Party . His seminal contribution to its well-being will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace .

— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) November 25, 2020

कांग्रेस पार्टी के वरिष्ठ नेता अहमद पटेल जी के निधन की सूचना अत्यंत दुःखद है। अहमद पटेल जी का कांग्रेस पार्टी और सार्वजनिक जीवन में बड़ा योगदान रहा। मैं दुःख की इस घड़ी में उनके परिजनों और समर्थकों के प्रति अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें।

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 25, 2020