Team Clarion
AHMEDABAD — Faisal Patel, son of the late senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, has announced his departure from the Indian National Congress, citing frustration over being sidelined and denied responsibilities within the party. In a social media post on February 13, Faisal expressed his disappointment, prompting the Congress to address the matter in a press conference on Friday.
Faisal, in his post, wrote, “With great pain and anguish, I have decided to stop working for the Congress. It has been a difficult journey for many years. My father Ahmed Patel dedicated his entire life to the country, the party, and the Gandhi family. I tried to follow in his footsteps, but I was rejected at every step.” He added, “I will continue to work for humanity in every possible way. The Congress party will always be my family.”
The announcement has sparked discussions within the party, with Ahmedabad City Congress Committee President Himmat Singh Patel responding to the development. “The late Ahmed Patel was a highly respected leader of this country and nation. His son Faisal Patel is also respected and well-known. He tweeted yesterday that he wants to work in the party but is not allowed to. He is young and valued in the party,” said Himmat Singh.
He further stated, “The party is associated with him, and he is associated with the party. He made this tweet for some reason. We will discuss it at the Mandal and Delhi levels. The Congress party will not back down from protecting its honour and the honour of his family. The party will make every effort for his respect. The high command will discuss and decide on the responsibilities he should be given.”
Faisal and his sister, Mumtaz Patel, have not been assigned any significant roles in the Gujarat Congress since their father’s demise in 2020. This perceived neglect is believed to be the primary reason behind Faisal’s decision to step away.
Himmat Singh Patel, however, emphasised the family’s contributions, stating, “Ahmed Patel was a gentleman in political activities. After his death, Mumtaz Patel and Faisal Patel handled the responsibility of his social organisations well. The Congress Committee will maintain their respect. Whatever responsibility they have taken, the party will give them. Both are young and have not been active for long. The party will ensure they receive their due rights.”
The departure of Faisal Patel has raised questions about the Congress party’s ability to retain the legacy of its stalwarts and accommodate the next generation of leaders. As the party grapples with internal challenges, all eyes are now on how it addresses the grievances of the Patel family while striving to maintain unity ahead of crucial elections.
