Senior Indian Congress leader Rajeev Satav, 46

Senior Indian Congress leader Rajeev Satav died yesterday, days after recovering from a coronavirus infection.

Mr Satav, 46, was undergoing treatment in Pune after testing positive for coronavirus last month and was on a ventilator.

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

A spokesman said Mr Satav later developed a bacterial infection that went into his lungs.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to Mr Satav.

He said: “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.”

Congress president Sonia Gandhi described Mr Satav as a rising star of the Congress party who was known for his unfailing dedication and sincerity.

In her condolence message, Mrs Gandhi said she was deeply pained by the tragic loss of Mr Satav, “who was a trusted colleague and a friend”.

“Rajeev Satav was only 46 years old. He rose from the grassroots to holding many responsibilities in a short time due to his unfailing dedication, sincerity and hard work,” she said.

“He championed people’s issues,” she added.

Mr Satav, who hailed from Maharashtra’s Hingoli district, leaves behind two children aged 11 and 16.

Congress chief spokesman 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,” he tweeted.

Rajeev Satav.