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NEW DELHI, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Senior leader of India's Congress party and lawmaker Ahmed Patel was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a local hospital on the outskirts of Delhi on Sunday, officials said.

The 71-year-old Patel tested positive for COVID-19 On Oct. 1.

He was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Gurugram.

"On behalf of his family, we would like to share that Ahmed Patel had tested positive for COVID-19 a few weeks ago. He has now been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon for further treatment.," Patel's son Faisal said in a statement.

"His condition is stable and he continues to be under medical observation. We request you to pray for his speedy recovery."

Congress leader and fellow colleague Shashi Tharoor wished Patel speedy recovery.

"An extraordinary figure in Indian politics, Ahmed Patel, battles for his health. I have long been an admirer of his exceptional qualities and wish him a speedy and complete recovery. He has pulled off many great victories; praying that this will be one more!" Tharoor said.

Several key political figures from around the country, including ministers, tested positive for COVID-19.

In September India's federal junior railways minister Suresh Angadi died due to COVID-19.

On Sunday morning the health ministry said the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 8,814,579 and the death toll has risen to 129,635.

India is in the grip of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and globally it is the second worst-hit country due to COVID-19. Enditem