Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel dies of coronavirus-linked complications

In a brief note, Faisal informed Patel passed away at 3:30 am this morning.

"After testing positive for COVID-19 around a month back, his health worsened further due to multiple organ failures. May Allah grant him Jannatul firdaus, inshallah, (sic)" wrote Faisal.

He urged well-wishers to maintain social distancing and other coronavirus-associated precautions at all times.

Expressing grief over the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Patel as a seasoned politician.

"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," the BJP leader added.

And Congress' Rahul Gandhi said it's a sad day.

Rahul's sister Priyanka wrote that she turned to Patel numerous times for advice.

"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," she added.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "It is a great loss for Congress Party and all Congress workers like me."

Born on August 21, 1949, Patel had been with the Congress since 1976, gradually rising up the ranks to become the treasurer of the party.

He has represented Gujarat in the Parliament eight times — three times in the Lok Sabha and five times in the Rajya Sabha.

He started his political career by contesting local body polls from Bharuch district, Gujarat, in 1976.

Patel finished the Jawahar Bhavan project, which was stalled for nearly a decade, in merely one year after late PM Rajiv Gandhi gave him the responsibility. He also served as current Congress President Sonia Gandhi's political secretary for years.

Despite being a known face, Patel chose to never join the government, and worked from behind the scenes, advising Sonia on pertinent matters.

In 2017, Patel was elected to Rajya Sabha for the fifth time after a bitter contest. A former Congress member, Balwantsinh Rajput, challenged Patel's nomination, but the latter won.

This event was unprecedented as Rajya Sabha seats don't witness the same kind of contest as Lok Sabha ones.

Later, Patel admitted that he had never seen "such a tense and bitter election battle."