Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 13 : The state unit of the Congress on Monday uneveiled a statue former CM of Himachal Pradesh, Virbhadra Singh in Shimla. The ceremony was attended by the Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and other Congress leaders.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot remembered the former CM's work and said that this statue is a tribute to his legacy and work.
"Virbhadra Singh was one of the tallest leaders of our country. He served as Chief Minister multiple times. We have honoured his legacy and his work in Himachal Pradesh. Today, his statue has been installed. It is a very good day; we all welcome it. We want to carry forward the inspiration that Virbhadra Singh gave not only to our party but to the entire country. Sonia Gandhi ji is also present here," he said.
Meanwhile, the President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) and wife of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Pratibha Singh, said that it is a proud moment for her that the statue of the late leader will be unveiled on October 13 at Shimla's historic Ridge Ground.
Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Pratibha Singh stated, "The unveiling of Virbhadra Singh ji's statue was originally scheduled for June, but it had to be postponed due to the natural disaster that struck our state. Heavy rains and floods forced us to defer the event."
Expressing her gratitude, she added, "It is a matter of immense pride and honour for us that Smt. Sonia Gandhi is coming to attend this ceremony. Priyanka ji has already arrived, Rajni Patil ji is here, and many senior Congress leaders will also be joining us. Their presence will make this occasion even more special."
Virbhadra Singh was the longest-serving and 4th Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. He was the Chief Minister from 2012 to 2017 before being replaced by BJP's Jai Ram Thakur in December 2017. He also was Chief Minister from 1983 to 1990, from 1993 to 1998 and from 2003 to 2007.