Virbhadra faction finally has its way, six-time Himachal ex-CM’s statue to be installed on Shimla Ridge

MANDI: In a development that underscores the enduring influence of the Virbhadra Singh legacy in Himachal Pradesh politics, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government has finally cleared the path for the installation of a statue of the former six-time Chief Minister on the historic Ridge in Shimla.

The formal announcement was made on Saturday by Virbhadra Singh’s son and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh during a press conference at his residence Holly Lodge in Shimla.
The announcement is not just the fulfillment of a long-standing demand, but a strategic victory for the Virbhadra Singh faction in the Himachal Pradesh Congress.

It signals a reassertion of political strength by the family, following months of pressure, negotiation and public outcry over the delay in honouring the late leader.

Foundation stone to be laid on birth anniversary

Vikramaditya Singh confirmed that the statue’s foundation stone would be laid on June 23, the birth anniversary of the late Virbhadra Singh.
The statue will be placed alongside that of Himachal’s first Chief Minister Yashwant Singh Parmar at Daulat Singh Park on the Ridge.

Vikramaditya said the entire cost of the project would be borne by the Raja Virbhadra Singh Foundation, a non-political organisation established in his father’s memory to further developmental work in sectors like education and healthcare across Himachal Pradesh.

Vikramaditya had even resigned when demand was not met

This outcome follows a dramatic episode earlier last year when Vikramaditya resigned emotionally from the cabinet during the Rajya Sabha elections on February 27, citing the government’s inability to allocate “even two yards of land” for his father’s statue.

That moment, which drew national attention, compelled the state leadership to take corrective action and acknowledge the depth of public emotion attached to the legacy of Virbhadra Singh.

The decision to finally approve the statue is being interpreted as a course correction by the government and a clear internal win for the Virbhadra group within the Congress setup.

Munish Sood