Bengaluru, June 8 : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed deep condolences over the demise of AICC Secretary and Vice President of the State Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee Suraj Hegde

Suraj Hegde was the grandson of the late D. Devaraj Urs, a revered leader who implemented the significant "land for the tiller" policy effectively in the state.

In his condolence message, the Chief Minister said he was deeply shocked by the news of Suraj Hegdeâ??s sudden passing. He noted that it is difficult to believe that a young leader like him has passed away at such an early age.

Shivakumar said Suraj Hegde had been actively involved in party organisation as AICC Secretary and had also served as in-charge of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, contributing significantly to the Congress organisational structure. He described his death as an irreparable loss to the Congress party.

The Chief Minister further observed that Suraj Hegde, like his grandfather and former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs, was committed to the cause of backward classes, workersâ?? rights, and social justice. He added that Suraj entered politics through organisational work in the National Youth Congress and was performing effectively as Vice President of the State Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee.

Shivakumar prayed for peace to the departed soul and conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved family members, wishing them strength to bear the loss.

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, stated, "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 partyâ??s ideals."

The Youth Congress was not just an assignment for him. He mentored young Indians who today carry forward the Congressâ??s commitment to justice and democracy, Rahul Gandhi stated.

"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," he stated.

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, "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. He made immense contributions to the Youth Congress, while carrying forward the rich legacy and values of Devaraj Urs with sincerity and commitment," he stated.

"My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and supporters during this difficult time. May they find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss," Kharge said.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President B.K. Hariprasad also expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise of Suraj Hegde.

In his condolence message, Hariprasad said he was deeply saddened upon hearing the news of Hegdeâ??s sudden passing. He noted that Suraj Hegde had dedicated his life to the upliftment of backward classes, Dalits, and marginalised communities, and had, in true spirit, carried forward the legacy of former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs, who is remembered for his commitment to equality and social justice.

Hariprasad said that Hegde, who was always committed to public service, played a significant role in ensuring the effective implementation of the state governmentâ??s guarantee schemes at the grassroots level.

He added that Hegdeâ??s demise is an irreparable loss to the state as well as to the Congress family. Extending his condolences, he conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members, relatives, friends, and admirers, and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

AICC General Secretary and Karnataka In-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala stated, "Tragic, Unbelievable and deeply Sad! Shri. Suraj Hegde, AICC Secretary and Vice Chairman of Karnataka Govt Guarantee Committee, is no more."

"A dear friend, a comrade in arms, an organiser par excellence, a dedicated father & husband, a life committed to Congress ideology, a true inheritor of Devraj Ursâ??s legacy, an affable and likeable human being with easy charm and accessibility - Suraj was many things to many people and something to everyone," Surjewala stated.

"I met him two days ago after the announcement of Rajya Sabha and Council seats. He would only say, â??Donâ??t worry, bhai, everything will be fine. You keep doing what you do," he stated.

"We will miss you dearly! Goodbye, my friend. Spread the cheer and easy smile wherever you go," he stated emotionally.

"My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all his admirers across the country," he stated.

Former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) Member Siddaramaiah also expressed deep shock over the sudden demise of Congress youth leader Suraj Hegde, describing it as a major loss to the party and the state.

Suraj Hegde was actively involved in the Congress organisation at the national level and had served in key positions, including AICC Secretary, KPCC Vice President, and Vice President of the State Guarantee Committee. He was regarded as a dedicated young leader within the party structure, Siddaranaiah stated.

He was the grandson of the late former Karnataka Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs, and was seen as carrying forward a legacy of people-oriented politics with commitment and concern for public welfare, he stated.

Siddaramaiah noted that Suraj Hegde had the potential to take on greater responsibilities in politics in the coming years, and said his untimely demise has caused an irreparable loss to the Congress party as well as to Karnataka, he said.

Siddaramaiah also conveyed that he shares the grief of the bereaved family and prayed for peace for the departed soul.

/IANS