Munish Sood
Mandi: Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh, son of six-time Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh, has finally voiced his disappointment over the absence of his father’s posters during the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government’s three-year celebration in Mandi on December 11.
Vikramaditya, along with his mother and former state Congress chief Pratibha Singh, had skipped the Mandi event. The minister instead travelled to London with his wife. Addressing the media, he expressed regret that a leader of Virbhadra Singh’s stature had no visual representation at Paddal Ground, the Mandi rally’s venue.
Vikramaditya said while the Congress chose to omit Virbhadra’s posters, the party had relied solely on Virbhadra’s legacy before the Assembly elections. He said the Congress had started ‘Mujhe Yaad Rakhna’ campaign in Virbhadra Singh’s name ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections. The omission of Vikramaditya’s posters had sparked political debate across Himachal Pradesh.
“My father was not merely a former Chief Minister, but a towering political personality who served Himachal Pradesh six times and played a decisive role in shaping the state’s development. Forgetting such a leader on an important occasion is deeply regrettable,” Vikramaditya said.
He highlighted that the Congress’ 2022 election victory was inseparably linked to Virbhadra Singh’s legacy. “The election was fought in his name. Just a day before polling, the Congress central leadership launched the slogan ‘Mujhe Yaad Rakhna’. That campaign struck an emotional chord with the people and its impact was reflected clearly in the results,” he added.
Vikramaditya emphasised that while the display of a portrait would have been appreciated, political stature is not defined by banners or hoardings. “This was a government programme and it would have been graceful if portraits of all former Chief Ministers had been displayed. However, leadership is built on public trust and lifelong service, not photographs,” he said.
He also pointed out that Virbhadra Singh has already been accorded the highest public honour. “His grand statue stands at The Ridge in Shimla, inaugurated in the presence of Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. That itself reflects the respect and recognition he commands,” he added.
Concluding his remarks, Vikramaditya delivered a powerful statement on his father’s enduring legacy. “A leader does not become great by being displayed on a stage, but by ruling the hearts of the people. Virbhadra Singh did that throughout his life and he continues to do so today. His image may or may not appear at a rally, but it is permanently etched in the hearts of the people. Leaders who rule hearts do not need posters to prove their stature,” he said.
