Suraj Hegde, AICC Secretary, Dies at 55; Karnataka CM Shivakumar Offers Condolences

AICC secretary and Karnataka Government Guarantee Committee vice‑chairman Suraj Hegde died late on 7 June 2026 at a private hospital in Bengaluru after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was about 55 years old and was the former in‑charge of the Indian Youth Congress and the grandson of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar posted on X, “I am deeply shocked to learn of the sudden demise of my dear colleague Shri Suraj Hegde, who served as AICC functionary, KPCC Vice‑President, and Vice‑Chairman of the State Guarantee Committee.” Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, AICC in‑charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, state Congress president B K Hariprasad, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior national leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed condolences, praising Hegde’s organisational acumen, public concern and mentorship of young leaders. The death was described as a “big loss to the state and the Congress party.”