The Mysuru City and District Congress Committees have resolved to create a dedicated emergency fund aimed at providing financial assistance to party office-bearers and workers encountering economic difficulties, especially during medical emergencies and in their old age. This initiative was formalized during a condolence meeting held to honor the memory of Suraj Hegde, former All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and vice-chairman of the Karnataka government’s Guarantee Implementation Committee, who passed away in Bengaluru earlier this week.
Initial Corpus and Contributions
At the meeting, party leaders and office-bearers collectively announced contributions totaling approximately Rs 3.25 lakh to serve as the initial corpus for the newly established Mysuru Congress Emergency Fund. This fund is expected to grow through further donations and contributions from party members and sympathizers.
Tribute to Suraj Hegde
Mysuru City Congress president R Murthy paid rich tributes to Hegde, recalling his long and dedicated association with the party. Murthy noted that Hegde served the AICC for nearly two decades, demonstrating unwavering commitment despite battling heart-related ailments for the past two years and experiencing declining health in recent months. Even during his illness, Hegde remained actively involved in party work, inspiring colleagues with his resilience.
Murthy further revealed that Hegde had quietly contributed Rs 1.8 lakh towards the construction of the new Congress Bhavan, aiming to fulfill the vision of his grandfather, former chief minister D. Devaraj Urs. This selfless act exemplified Hegde’s dedication to the party’s institutional growth.
Need for Institutional Support
District Congress president BJ Vijay Kumar described Hegde as a loyal functionary and emphasized the critical need for institutional support mechanisms for party workers. He highlighted that many workers face financial distress and struggle to afford medical treatment in their old age, underscoring the importance of the emergency fund in providing a safety net for those who have served the party tirelessly.
The establishment of the Mysuru Congress Emergency Fund marks a significant step towards ensuring the welfare of party workers, reflecting the Congress party’s commitment to its grassroots members.
