Shimla’s Ridge gets Virbhadra Singh’s statue

The memories and legacy of six-time Chief Minister and Congress stalwart Virbhadra Singh came alive on Monday at Shimla’s historic Ridge Maidan, as thousands gathered to pay emotional tributes to the towering leader fondly remembered as “Raja Sahib”.

- ASHWANI SHARMA

The Ridge, decked out in vibrant hues reflecting the Congress spirit and adorned with hundreds of flags bearing his image, became a sea of emotions as Congress leader Sonia Gandhi unveiled a nine-foot-tall statue of Virbhadra Singh. The event fulfilled a long-cherished dream of his son, Vikramaditya Singh, the state's Public Works minister, and of countless admirers of the late leader.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of several top Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, party in-charge Rajni Patil, AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot, MPs Rajeev Shukla and Dipendra Hooda, and HPCC President Pratibha Singh.