Former Union Minister E Ahamed, 79, Dies

Former Union Minister and Indian Union Muslim League National President E Ahamed, 79, died of a massive cardiac arrest on Thursday early morning at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi.

E Ahamed collapsed in Lok Sabha after suffering a cardiac arrest and was rushed to a hospital, where he died. He was representing the Muslim-majority Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency in Parliament.

Ahamed was Member of Parliament (MP) for 25 years and a legislator for 18 years. He was a Minister for Industries in Kerala during 1982-87 and the Union Minister for External Affairs during 2004-09, and held portfolios of Railways, External Affairs and Human Resource Development in the second UPA government.

Condolences for the ex-Minister poured in. Paying his respects, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao recalled the services given by the veteran leader and said that his death was a great loss to Indian politics.

"The sudden passing away of Ahamed is a great loss to politics and in general, to the State of Kerala. My heartfelt condolences to the members of the departed MP’'s family," Rao said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ahamed's residence and offered his last respects. Expressing his sorrow, Modi said that Ahamed would be remembered for spearheading the empowerment of the Muslim community.

"Saddened by the demise of Ahamed, a veteran political leader who served the nation with great diligence. My condolences," Prime Minister Modi tweeted later.

The mortal remains of Ahamed will be flown to Kannur, his hometown, later in the day.