Priyanka Gandhi mourns AICC Secretary Suraj Hegde, calls it great loss to Congress
Synopsis
AICC Secretary Suraj Hegde — grandson of former Karnataka CM Devaraj Urs and a key figure in Congress's youth and organisational work — died late Sunday night, reportedly of cardiac arrest, at around 55. Priyanka Gandhi, Sachin Pilot, and Supriya Shrinate were among the leaders who mourned his passing, underscoring the organisational void his death leaves in the party.
Key Takeaways
AICC Secretary Suraj Hegde passed away late on Sunday night , reportedly after a cardiac arrest at a private hospital.
He was around 55 years old and had also served as Vice-Chairman of the Karnataka Government's Guarantee Committee and former In-charge of the Indian Youth Congress .
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called his death 'a great loss to all of us in the Congress family.' Rajasthan MLA Sachin Pilot and Congress digital wing chief Supriya Shrinate also paid tributes, terming the loss irreparable.
Hegde was the grandson of former Karnataka Chief Minister Devaraj Urs , and was widely regarded as a dedicated organisational leader within the party.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday mourned the passing of All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Suraj Hegde, describing his death as a great loss to the Congress family. Hegde, who was reportedly around 55 years old, passed away late on Sunday night following a suspected cardiac arrest at a private hospital, according to party sources.
Priyanka Gandhi's Tribute
Taking to social media platform X, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote: 'The passing away of Suraj Hegde ji is a great loss to all of us in the Congress family. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the organisation and mentor young leaders. We will all remember him with affection, respect and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.'
Condolences Pour In from Congress Leaders
Rajasthan MLA and Congress leader Sachin Pilot also expressed grief, calling Hegde's death an irreparable loss. 'The news of the sudden demise of Shri Suraj Hegde, former Secretary of the All India Congress Committee and former In-charge of the Indian Youth Congress, is deeply saddening. His untimely passing is an irreparable loss to the Congress family. His dedication and sincere loyalty to the organisation will always be remembered,' Pilot said in his condolence message.
Supriya Shrinate, Chairperson of the Congress party's social media and digital platforms wing, remembered Hegde as 'a genuine human being, a committed Congressman, a friend.' She added: 'He was deeply committed to the values of the Congress party and was always willing to help with a smile. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Congress party.'
Who Was Suraj Hegde
Beyond his role as AICC Secretary, Hegde had also served as Vice-Chairman of the Karnataka Government's Guarantee Committee and previously as In-charge of the Indian Youth Congress. He was widely regarded within the party as a dedicated organisational leader who played a key role in mentoring young workers and building the Congress structure at multiple levels.
Notably, Hegde was the grandson of former Karnataka Chief Minister Devaraj Urs, a towering figure in the state's political history. His lineage lent him both credibility and a deep-rooted connection to the party's foundational ethos.
The Loss to Congress Organisation
Hegde's death comes at a time when the Indian National Congress has been actively working to rebuild its organisational strength ahead of upcoming state elections. Leaders who focus on grassroots mentoring and youth mobilisation — roles Hegde was known for — are considered critical assets in the party's renewal efforts. His passing leaves a visible gap in the party's internal leadership pipeline.
The Congress party is expected to observe condolences formally in the coming days, with tributes continuing to pour in from leaders across the country.
Point of View
Sachin Pilot, and Supriya Shrinate signals that his loss is felt beyond ceremonial condolence. For a party still rebuilding its internal architecture, losing experienced organisational hands is a recurring and underreported challenge.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Suraj Hegde?
Suraj Hegde was the Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and Vice-Chairman of the Karnataka Government's Guarantee Committee. He had previously served as In-charge of the Indian Youth Congress and was the grandson of former Karnataka Chief Minister Devaraj Urs.
How did Suraj Hegde die?
Suraj Hegde reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away late on Sunday night at a private hospital. He was around 55 years old, according to party sources.
What did Priyanka Gandhi say about Suraj Hegde's death?
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra posted on X that his passing was 'a great loss to all of us in the Congress family,' adding that he 'worked tirelessly to strengthen the organisation and mentor young leaders.'
Which other Congress leaders paid tribute to Suraj Hegde?
Rajasthan MLA Sachin Pilot called it an 'irreparable loss,' while Supriya Shrinate, Chairperson of the Congress party's social media wing, remembered him as 'a genuine human being, a committed Congressman, a friend.'
What role did Suraj Hegde play in the Congress party?
Hegde was widely regarded as a dedicated organisational leader who focused on mentoring young workers and strengthening the Congress structure at various levels. He had held key roles including AICC Secretary and In-charge of the Indian Youth Congress.
