Rajeev Satav, 46, died due to multi-organ dysfunction at a Pune hospital this morning. (File photo)
Senior Congress leader and MP Rajeev Satav died at a private hospital in Pune this morning, days after recovering from coronavirus infection. "It's a big loss for us all," Rahul Gandhi tweeted, addressing Mr Satav as "my friend" who embodied the ideals of the Congress.
"Rajeev Satav became RT-PCR swab negative on May 9, 2021. However, after a prolonged illness he succumbed to secondary pneumonia with multi-organ dysfunction on May 16 at 4:58 am," Jehangir Hospital, where the Congress leader was admitted, said in a statement.
The 46-year-old was in critical condition after he was diagnosed with a new viral infection, according to Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope.
"Rajiv Satav was on the path of recovery, but his health deteriorated again and he is now critical. The doctors found he has Cytomegalovirus infection," Mr Tope was quoted as saying by news agency PTI on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted:
In her condolence message, Sonia Gandhi said she is deeply pained by the tragic loss of the party leader, "who was a trusted colleague and a friend to all of us". She said it is also a personal loss to her. "Rajeev Satav was only 46 years old yet he rose from the grassroots to holding many responsibilities in a short time due to his unfailing dedication, sincerity and hard work," she said.
Mr Satav, who hailed from Maharashtra, was in-charge of the party's affairs in Gujarat, where the Congress had put up a spirited fight in the last assembly election.
All India Congress Committee general secretary K C Venugopal said the Congress had lost its frontline warrior, Congress Working Committee member, MP, and a most promising young leader. "I am devastated by the irreparable loss. Party will forever miss his indelible dedication, connect & immense popularity. My heartfelt condolences," he tweeted.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said he had been rendered speechless.
"Today I lost a fellow who took the first step of public life with me in the Youth Congress and walked along till today...We will always remember Rajeev Satav's simplicity, ever smiling, connected to the grassroots, loyalty and friendship. Good bye my friend. Keep shining, wherever you are," he tweeted.
Party leader Jairam Ramesh said, "My young colleague Rajeev Satav has passed away from COVID-19 complications. He had been president, Youth Congress, as well as MP in both Houses. He was a forceful speaker and was always well prepared. A thorough organisation man, he was integral to the Congress'' revival. Tragic!"