Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel is no more. The 71-year-old veteran, who was one of the long-standing and acute political advisers to Sonia Gandhi, succumbed to COVID-19 on Wednesday morning at a private hospital in Gurgaon.

His demise has been condoled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wrote that Patel 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," the PM tweeted. Rahul Gandhi described it as 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," the former President of the Congress tweeted.

Described in political circles as the High Command's backroom politician, Patel is often described by commentators as a problem solver. Journalist Rohini Singh wrote that his demise is the biggest loss for the Congress party. "He held the party together whether it was thwarting the coup in Rajasthan or rebellion at the last CWC meeting. Sonia Gandhi is right when she says he is irreplaceable. There isn’t another Ahmed Patel in the Congress," she added.