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Key Points

Sonia Gandhi traveled to Shimla to unveil a statue honoring Virbhadra Singh, a legendary Himachal Pradesh politician known as 'Raja Saab'. The statue will be placed at the historic Ridge, near monuments of other prominent national leaders. Virbhadra Singh was a remarkable Congress veteran with over 50 years in active politics and six terms as state chief minister. The event, organized by his son Vikramaditya Singh, celebrates the life of a charismatic grassroots leader who was deeply connected to the people.

Key Points: Sonia Gandhi Honors Virbhadra Singh at Shimla Statue Unveiling

  • Statue to be placed at Daulat Singh Park in Shimla
  • Event postponed from original June 23 birth anniversary date
  • Situated near statues of other political icons
  • Honors nine-time legislator and five-time MP
2 min read

Sonia Gandhi reaches Shimla for statue unveiling of stalwart Virbhadra Singh

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi pays tribute to Himachal Pradesh's six-time CM Virbhadra Singh with statue unveiling at historic Ridge

"I am a grassroots worker. I have risen from the ground and my roots are still firmly stuck here. - Virbhadra Singh"

Shimla, Oct 12

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday reached the Himachal Pradesh capital to participate in the unveiling of the statue of party stalwart Virbhadra Singh, who was at the helm of the state for a record six times.

The statue will be set at the Daulat Singh Park on the historic Ridge.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu along with Cabinet colleagues welcomed Sonia Gandhi upon her arrival in Shimla.

The statue's unveiling was initially planned on Virbhadra Singh's birth anniversary on June 23, but was postponed due to the pre-occupation of party's leadership.

The invitation for the ceremony was extended by Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, son of the late leader and the Chairman of the Raja Virbhadra Singh Foundation.

The statue will be situated near that of Dr Y.S. Parmar, the first chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, as well as other notable figures, including Mahatma Gandhi and former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose statues are also installed on the Ridge.

The Congress veteran passed away on July 8, 2021, at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) here after a three-month long battle with post-Covid complications, doctors said. He was 87.

Popularly known as 'Raja Saab' as he was born heir into the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr, Virbhadra Singh was in active politics for over 50 years.

Being a charismatic leader, he was known for having no qualms about folding his hands and bowing before the commoners to seek votes for the party -- be it in the Assembly polls, parliamentary elections or even for the civic body polls.

A nine-time legislator and five-time MP, Singh, who had first entered the Lok Sabha in 1962, was often quoted as saying: "I am a grassroots worker. I have risen from the ground and my roots are still firmly stuck here (in Himachal Pradesh)."

In the 2017 assembly elections, Virbhadra Singh and his son Vikramaditya Singh won in their constituencies, even as their Congress party lost power.

Known for his benevolence, wit and charm, Virbhadra Singh, known for picking errors in bureaucratic notes and redrafting them on his personal typewriter, was believed to be among the tallest leaders in the state, who successfully fought and led numerous political battles single-handedly, even when he turned octogenarian.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I respect Virbhadra Singh's contributions, I wish the government would focus more on current development issues rather than statue politics. Himachal needs better infrastructure and employment opportunities.
A
Ananya R
It's wonderful to see leaders being honored this way. Virbhadra Singh served Himachal Pradesh for decades and truly understood the grassroots. His legacy deserves this recognition. ❤️
V
Vikram M
The Ridge is the perfect location for his statue - among other great leaders of our nation. His dedication to public service for over 50 years is truly inspiring for young politicians.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Shimla multiple times, I think it's beautiful how the city honors its leaders. The Ridge already has such historical significance, and this adds to its legacy.
K
Kavya N
My grandfather used to tell stories about how Virbhadra Singh would personally type his responses to public grievances. That level of personal attention is rare in politics today. He was truly one of a kind! ✨

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