Rahul Gandhi, Kharge mourn AICC Secretary Suraj Hegde's death
Synopsis
Senior Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to AICC Secretary Suraj Hegde, who died on 8 June. Kharge revealed a personal bond stretching back to Hegde’s teenage years, while Pawan Khera noted he had met Hegde in Bengaluru just days before his death — making the loss all the more sudden for the party.
Key Takeaways
AICC Secretary and former Indian Youth Congress In-charge Suraj Hegde passed away on 8 June .
Rahul Gandhi described Hegde as a mentor to young Indians committed to justice and democracy.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said he had known Hegde since his teenage years and called him very close to his family.
Venugopal praised Hegde’s grassroots work and selfless service to the organisation.
Pawan Khera said he had met Hegde in Bengaluru just days before his death.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday, 8 June mourned the death of AICC Secretary and former In-charge of the Indian Youth Congress, Suraj Hegde, calling his passing an irreparable loss to the party. Senior Congress leaders across the board joined in expressing grief over the untimely demise of the young leader.
Rahul Gandhi's Tribute
Taking to social media platform X, Gandhi said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Suraj Hegde ji. As AICC Secretary and Former In-charge of the Indian Youth Congress, he worked with a deep belief in the party’s ideals. The Youth Congress was not just an assignment for him. He mentored young Indians who today carry forward the Congress’s commitment to justice and democracy.”
Gandhi added, “His demise is an irreparable loss to the Congress family. My condolences to his family, his colleagues, and every Congress karyakarta whose life he touched.”
Kharge Recalls Personal Bond
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described Hegde as a young and promising leader he had known since Hegde’s teenage years. “Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Suraj Hegde, a young and promising leader who served the party with dedication as an AICC Secretary. Suraj was very close to my family, and I have known him since his teenage years. Watching him grow into a committed leader, deeply devoted to the organisation was truly heartening,” Kharge said.
Kharge also noted that Hegde had carried forward the legacy and values of veteran Karnataka leader Devaraj Urs with sincerity. “He made immense contributions to the Youth Congress, while carrying forward the rich legacy and values of Devaraj Urs with sincerity and commitment. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters during this difficult time,” he added.
Party Leaders Express Condolences
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said Hegde had selflessly served the organisation for many years and worked tirelessly to take the party’s mission to the grassroots. “May his soul find rest, and may his family and loved ones find the strength to cope with this difficult period,” Venugopal said.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also paid tribute on X, writing, “This is such a devastating news. Just met him this week in Bengaluru. He had his trade mark smile and his encouraging words. Travel well Suraj Bhai.” Khera’s post underscored that Hegde had been active and in good health as recently as this past week.
Who Was Suraj Hegde
Hegde served as AICC Secretary and had previously helmed the Indian Youth Congress as its In-charge, where he was credited with mentoring a generation of young party workers. His association with the Congress organisation spanned several years, and he was regarded within party circles as a committed grassroots organiser with deep ideological conviction. His death leaves a void in the party’s youth leadership at a time when the Congress is investing heavily in rebuilding its organisational base across states.
Point of View
Kharge, Venugopal, and Khera all posting within hours — signals how central Hegde was to the party’s youth infrastructure. Kharge’s personal tribute, reaching back to Hegde’s teenage years, is unusual in its intimacy for a formal condolence statement and reflects a genuine organisational loss rather than a ceremonial one. For a party rebuilding its ground-level machinery, losing a credible Youth Congress organiser is a practical setback, not merely a symbolic one. The Congress has struggled with youth leadership continuity; Hegde’s death compounds that challenge.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Suraj Hegde?
Suraj Hegde was an AICC Secretary and former In-charge of the Indian Youth Congress. He was widely regarded within the Congress as a committed grassroots organiser who mentored young party workers across the country.
How did Rahul Gandhi react to Suraj Hegde's death?
Rahul Gandhi posted a tribute on X calling Hegde’s death an irreparable loss to the Congress family. He praised Hegde’s belief in the party’s ideals and his role in mentoring young Indians committed to justice and democracy.
What did Congress President Kharge say about Suraj Hegde?
Kharge said he had known Hegde since his teenage years and described him as very close to his family. He praised Hegde’s contributions to the Youth Congress and his role in carrying forward the legacy of veteran Karnataka leader Devaraj Urs.
When did Suraj Hegde pass away?
Suraj Hegde passed away on Monday, 8 June. Congress leader Pawan Khera noted he had met Hegde in Bengaluru just days before his death, making the loss particularly sudden for those close to him.
Which Congress leaders paid tribute to Suraj Hegde?
Tributes came from Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, and Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, among others.
