Former Union minister E Ahamed passes away after collapsing in Parliament

Former Union minister and Indian Union Muslim League leader E Ahamed has passed away early on Wednesday after he suffered a cardiac arrest, a senior doctor has
confirmed.

The 78-year-old Ahamed died at 2:15 am at RML hospital where he was admitted on Tuesday and put on artificial life support.

“E Ahamed has passed away at 2:15 am. His body has been taken to AIIMS hospital for embalming (a method to preserve a corpse from decaying) as the facility is not available at RML,” a senior RML doctor said.

Ahamed’s body will be taken to Kerala later on Wednesday.

The MP from Kerala’s Mallapuram suffered a cardiac arrest during the President’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament on Tuesday.

Around 2.15 pm, he was shifted to the RML trauma centre’s ICU where he was put on ventilator and breathed his last.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, party vice president Rahul Gandhi, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, besides other party leaders had rushed to the hospital late at night and met Ahamed’s family.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled E Ahamed'S demise and said his efforts for empowerment of the Muslim community will be remembered.

"Saddened by the demise of Mr E Ahamed, a veteran political leader who served the nation with great diligence. My condolences," he tweeted.

He said Ahamed devoted significant efforts towards Kerala's progress and his role in deepening India's ties with West Asia was notable.

"The continuous efforts of Mr E Ahamed for the empowerment of the Muslim community will be remembered," Modi added.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled the demise of former Union Minister E Ahamed, remembering him as an outstanding Parliamentarian.

"He was a committed democrat and beloved leader of Kerala, whose simple lifestyle and commitment to the cause of people was an example to an entire generation," Gandhi said.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences on the Kerala leader's death. "Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri E Ahamed. A veteran parliamentarian & a valued colleague, he served his country with honour & dedication.

"My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones in this time of grief," he said in a tweet.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar, Communist Party of India leader D Raja, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy were also among those who visited the residence of the departed leader.

The vice-president recalled his long association with Ahamed. "He was an eminent personality. He is somebody I have known for a quarter of a century and his passing away is a great loss," said Ansari.

Many leaders from Kerala like A K Antony, Vyalar Ravi and Ramesh Chennithala also paid their respects.

"He was a symbol of secularism and Keralites can't forget his contribution as the minister of state for railways and minister of state for external affairs and how he used to raise important issues related to minorities and backward classes," said Antony.