Congress MP Rajeev Satav loses battle to post-COVID complications; condolences and tributes pour in

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday condoled the demise of party MP Rajeev Satav and described him as a rising star of the party known for his unfailing dedication and sincerity.

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.

Sonia Gandhi said Satav served as president of the Indian Youth Congress, AICC secretary and In-charge of the state of Gujarat.

"As Member of the Lok Sabha, he championed people's issues and fought for the ideals of the constitution. He was a rising star of the Congress party," Sonia Gandhi said and added that the entire Congress mourns his loss.

The Congress president spoke to his mother and wife and expressed her heartfelt condolences.

Satav leaves behind two children aged 11 and 16.

"We pray for his family to have the strength to face the days ahead with courage," the Congress chief said.

Satav died on Sunday morning due to post-coronavirus complications in Pune. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Pune after testing coronavirus positive last month and was on ventilator support.

After recovering from COVID-19, he was diagnosed with Cytomegalovirus infection and his condition became critical.

"He had recovered from COVID-19. He was taking some immunosuppressant drugs as he was suffering from spondylitis and as his immunity was low, he contracted COVID-19. He later developed a bacterial infection due to which he had fibrosis in the lungs. Despite best efforts by doctors, he succumbed to the infection," said Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope.

Satav on April 22 said he had tested COVID-19 positive and was hospitalised the next day.

Condolences poured in from various quarters.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condoled his demise and said it is a big loss to him.

"I'm very sad at the loss of my friend Rajeev Satav. He was a leader with huge potential who embodied the ideals of Congress. It's a big loss for us all. My condolences and love to his family," tweeted Rahul Gandhi, bemoaning the loss of his trusted colleague.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said, "In Rajiv Satav we have lost one of our brightest colleagues. Clean of heart, sincere, deeply committed to the ideals of the Congress and devoted to the people of India. I have no words, just prayers for his young wife and children. May they have the strength to carry on without him," she said.

"We are deeply saddened by the demise of Rajya Sabha MP and compatriot, Shri Rajeev Satav. His unwavering dedication towards the nation and the party carried out with pure simplicity will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family, friends and followers. May he rest in peace," the Congress tweeted from its official handle.

In another tweet, it said: ‘In the passing of Shri Rajeev Satav, a rising star of the Congress party has been extinguished too soon. Our heartfelt condolences to his family’.

"Anguished by the passing away of my friend from Parliament, Shri Rajeev Satav Ji. He was an upcoming leader with much potential. Condolences to his family, friends and supporters. Om Shanti," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

All India Congress Committee general secretary K C Venugopal said the Congress has lost its frontline warrior, Congress Working Committee member, MP and a most promising young leader.

"I am devastated by the irreparable loss. The party will forever miss his indelible dedication, connect and immense popularity," he said.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said he has been rendered speechless due to the loss. "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. Goodbye 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!".

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!".

Maharashtra Congress leaders said Satav's death is an irreparable loss. The NCP and Shiv Sena also expressed shock over his demise.

NCP president Sharad Pawar said Satav's death was shocking. Pawar described him as a studious and aggressive leader.

State Congress unit president Nana Patole said, "I am speechless and don't know what to say. Today is a black day for me and the Congress workers."

Maharashtra Women and child development minister Yashomati Thakur, who became an MLA along with Satav in 2009 said he was a young and talented leader gone too soon.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut tweeted, "Rajeev Satav.. what have you done. There were a lot of expectations from you in national politics. Your passing away is extremely painful. I still can't get over your body language four days ago which showed your intent to recover fast during our video call."

"Saddened by the passing away of Shri Rajeev Satav @SATAVRAJEEV. He was an active member of the Rajya Sabha. Condolences to his family and friends," Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted.

"Shocked and saddened by the demise of my Parliamentary colleague Sh Rajeev Satav ji, a young, rising star of the Congress Party. He was warm and articulate. He will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Om Shanti," Union minister Anurag Thakur tweeted.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh tweeted, "Am shocked beyond words and deeply saddened to learn that Rajeev Satav is no more. He was a young and dynamic leader with a great political future ahead of him."

(With PTI inputs)