Sonia Gandhi unveils statue of former six-time CM Virbhadra Singh in Shimla

Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Sonia Gandhi on Monday unveiled the six-foot bronze statue of former six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, late Virbhadra Singh, at the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla. She also visited a photo exhibition highlighting the life and legacy of Singh.

The event marked an emotional moment for the Congress party and the people of the state as the late leader is remembered as one of Himachal’s most towering political figures.

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Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, paid floral tributes to Singh and interacted with his family, including his wife and former Mandi MP and State Congress president Pratibha Singh and son Vikramaditya Singh, who is a Public Works Department Minister in the state government.

Congress General Secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi, addressing the gathering, described it as a proud and emotional day for all, particularly the people of the state.

She said Singh was “the soul of Himachal,” a leader who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the people and development of the state. “His heart always beat for Himachal, and he worked tirelessly for every section of society,” she said.

Emphasizing her family’s enduring bond with Himachal Pradesh, from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to her own family, she said she not only has a home in Shimla but also shares a deep connection with the mountains.
Priyanka Gandhi added that few political leaders remain committed to truth as Singh did. “Just as Mahatma Gandhi guided the nation, Virbhadra Singh guided Himachal Pradesh,” she said, underlining that the essence of the Congress Party’s ideology is public service, beyond social media posturing. She also highlighted that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi fearlessly speaks the truth, reflecting the party’s principles.

In her brief address, Sonia Gandhi said that Singh was not just a political stalwart but a visionary administrator who shaped modern Himachal Pradesh.

“He devoted his life to public service, to the upliftment of the poor, and to strengthening the Congress ideology of inclusive growth,” she said.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the unveiling was a tribute to a statesman who left an indelible mark on Himachal’s political and developmental journey.

“Virbhadra Singh’s contributions to education, health, and infrastructure continue to guide us,” Sukhu said.

He lauded Singh as a leader of roads, development, and public welfare.

Pratibha Singh described the unveiling as an emotional and joyous occasion, praising Chief Minister Sukhu for emulating Singh’s simple lifestyle and dedication to public service.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri called Singh the architect of modern Himachal Pradesh, recalling his tireless dedication to education, women’s empowerment, and public welfare. He said besides former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who granted statehood, the first Chief Minister, Yashwant Singh Parmar, played a pivotal role in the state’s formation. Virbhadra’s deep emotional connection with the people and attending to their concerns till late nights, made him different.

Vikramaditya Singh said that the occasion reflected not just a formal ceremony but the sentiments and love of the people, and affirmed his commitment to follow his father’s ideals.

“Virbhadra Singh dedicated his life to public service and ushered in a new chapter of development in Himachal Pradesh,” he said.

Praising Singh’s commitment to fulfill the trust of the public and his remarkable contributions to employment, education, roads and health, he said, “I strive to follow the ideals shown by my father.”

The unveiling of the statue comes ahead of the state’s Congress Foundation Day celebrations and is seen as a reaffirmation of the party’s emotional and historical roots in Himachal Pradesh.

The statue, commissioned by the Raja Virbhadra Singh Foundation, stands alongside those of other eminent leaders such as Dr YS Parmar, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.