India has lost an 'outstanding parliamentarian' in E. Ahamed: Sonia Gandhi

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday condoled the demise of former union minister and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP E. Ahamed, saying India has lost an outstanding parliamentarian.

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

Gandhi conveyed her solidarity in this hour of grief to Ahamed's family and supporters.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi earlier hailed Ahamed as a veteran parliamentarian, who served the nation with great honour and dedication.

Gandhi tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri E Ahamed. A veteran parliamentarian and a valued colleague, he served his country with honour and dedication."

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones in this time of grief," he added.

The mortal remains of Ahamed, who passed away in the wee hours of Wednesday morning at the Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest in the Parliament yesterday, will be taken to his residence here so the public can pay their homage, post which his remains will be flown to his hometown Kannur.

The senior leader was admitted in a critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during President Pranab Mukherje's address to both Houses on Tuesday.