At a function at Ridge Ground in Shimla, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi unveiled the statue of Virbhadra Singh, six-time chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, while addressing the gathering, described Virbhadra Singh as the “soul of Himachal” and expressed grief over the lack of true leaders in today’s politics. He said on Sunday that today there is a shortage of true leaders like Virbhadra Singh in the country. He dedicated his life to public service, politics was a medium to serve the public. He carried forward the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, for whom power meant responsibility.
Priyanka Gandhi accused the NDA government and the BJP leadership of indulging in divisiveness, vote bank politics and neglecting Himachal during natural disasters. He said that the Central Government did not provide adequate help to Himachal during the flood disaster. His politics is not for the people, but for votes. Congress stands for truth, sacrifice and development and Himachal is a living example of this heritage. He praised Chief Minister Sukhu for carrying forward the legacy of people-oriented governance of Virbhadra Singh and said, I am proud to have Himachal as my home. This earth gives us love and inspiration,” he added.
Meanwhile, late Virbhadra Singh’s son Vikramaditya Singh took the oath, saying, “I will fulfill my father’s dreams for Himachal.” Standing before his father’s statue, Vikramaditya Singh paid tribute, saying, “Today is the most emotional moment of my life. This statue is not just carved on stone; it represents the history, culture of Himachal and the emotions of its people. I pledge before this statue to fulfill the unfulfilled dreams of my father and take Himachal to new heights.”
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Expressing his gratitude to Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the support extended to the family, he said, “Your blessings and affection have been our strength. Virbhadra Singh was not just a name, he was the soul of every farmer, every farm, every youth and every mother of this state.” Singh further said. Chief Minister Sukhu said that the development of Himachal Pradesh is the contribution of Congress Party and Virbhadra Singh. Chief Minister Sukhu said, “When there were no roads in the state, he laid a complete network of roads, rejuvenated education and brought electricity to remote areas. For him, power meant service and we have to carry forward this legacy.”
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He recalled the role of Indira Gandhi in the development of Himachal and said, “In 1971, right here on this ridge ground, Indira Gandhi gave full statehood to Himachal Pradesh. Today, the unveiling of the statue of Virbhadra Singh here is a symbol of the Congress Party’s long-term commitment to the development of the state.” Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that Virbhadra Singh is not only a political leader but the true creator of modern Himachal.