Sonia Gandhi Unveils Virbhadra Singh’s Statue on Shimla Ridge

October 13, 2025

Shimla: Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi unveiled the statue of the late Virbhadra Singh, the six-time Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, on the Ridge. Pressing a remote button, Sonia Gandhi removed the curtain covering the statue. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi was also present. She then visited an exhibition of Virbhadra Singh’s photographs.

The entire Shimla area resounded with slogans of “Virbhadra Singh Amar Rahe.” Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, state Congress in-charge Rajni Patil, former in-charge Rajiv Shukla, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, Haryana MP Deepender Hooda, former Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Pratibha Singh, Vikramaditya Singh, all cabinet ministers, and numerous senior leaders attended the event.

Massive Crowd Gathers in Shimla to Pay Tribute

Hundreds of people from across the state have arrived in Shimla to attend the unveiling ceremony of Virbhadra Singh’s statue. The Ridge is completely packed, leading to occasional arguments over seating.

During the event, Shimla City Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal and councillors were prevented from entering the VIP block. They engaged in a heated argument with the police.

Vikramaditya addressed Sonia Gandhi as his mother.

Vikramaditya Singh addressed Sonia Gandhi as a mother figure and thanked her for attending the unveiling ceremony of Virbhadra Singh’s statue. He also thanked Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for making the event a success. He said that it is everyone’s responsibility to follow the path shown by Virbhadra Singh.

The statue was made by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar.

The statue of Virbhadra Singh was created by renowned and veteran sculptor Ram Sutar. Its height is 9 feet. It cost approximately 2.4 million rupees to create. The statue was created in the studio of Ram Sutar’s son, Anil Sutar. The statue is made of Ashtadhatu (eight metals), primarily copper and zinc. It took six months to complete.

Priyanka targeted the Modi government

Priyanka Gandhi said, “Today is a proud moment for all of us. Sonia Gandhi unveiled the statue of Virbhadra Singh. Virbhadra Singh had Himachal in every fiber of his being.” She said that during the assembly elections, one of her colleagues told her that he went to a tea stall. There, people there told her that Virbhadra Singh had a friendly personality. He never let anyone feel like a Chief Minister or a king. Then I thought that this is the true tradition of the Congress. CM Sukhu is also carrying on this tradition. He lives with simplicity.

Priyanka Gandhi said, “Unfortunately, those in power at the center don’t follow this tradition. Himachal suffered so much devastation, yet the central government didn’t provide any help. Homes and schools were washed away in Himachal, yet the central government hasn’t provided any assistance to date, because their politics is only for elections. This is the wrong kind of politics.”

These leaders were present

Apart from Sonia and Priyanka, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, State Congress in-charge Rajni Patil, former in-charge Rajiv Shukla, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, MP from Haryana Deepender Hooda, former Deputy CM of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot, Pratibha Singh, Vikramaditya Singh, all cabinet ministers and many senior leaders have attended the program.

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 the 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 supporters danced to the tune of Himachali folk songs and music and raised slogans to celebrate the occasion.