Sainj(Shimla) - In a momentous celebration of the late Virbhadra Singh's remarkable contributions, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri unveiled the first-ever statue of the six-time former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh in Sainj here, a meeting point of Shimla, Mandi, Kullu and Kinnaur districts .
Agnihotri addressed the gathering, shedding light on Singh's instrumental role in shaping modern Himachal Pradesh.
Interestingly, it was Agnihotri, a longtime supporter of Late Virbhadra Singh, who unveiled the first-ever statue of Virbhadra, not Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, his known opponent. 
The story has added a new political twist in an ongoing power struggle in Himachal Congress as ceremony was attended by Mandi MP and wife of Virbhadra Singh Pratibha Singh, four other MLAs including PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh(Shimla Rural), who is son of Late Virbhadra Singh, former Congress President Kuldeep Singh Rathour from Theog, CPS Mohal Lal Brakta from Rohru and Nand Lal from Rampur.
They all are considered to be from the “Virbhadra Singh camp”. On the other, Education Minister Rohit Thakur(Jubbal and Kotkhai) and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh(MLA Kasumpti), both supporter of CM Sukhu, also remained conspicuous by their absence in the event.
Agnihotri commended Virbhadra Singh's dedication to education and healthcare, emphasizing his inclusive approach to politics that transcended regionalism and casteism.
The unveiling of the statue held immense significance, as Virbhadra Singh is widely regarded as the visionary behind the state's transformation.
This statue, a lasting testament to his exceptional legacy, will be followed by installations in various locations across Himachal Pradesh.
Agnihotri announced the forthcoming inauguration of the Kumarsain bus stand, scheduled to take place within a month.
Furthermore, he allocated a Rs. 13 crore for the construction of the Theog Bus Stand that will be ready soon.
In an effort to uplift the region, Agnihotri instructed officials to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a lift irrigation scheme, utilizing water from the Nirath Dam.
This ambitious project aims to benefit 28 panchayats in the Theog assembly constituency, further solidifying Singh's commitment to the welfare of the people.
Continuing his promises of progress, Agnihotri revealed plans to replace 500 buses this year. In addition, he announced the release of Rs. 13 crore for the Kurpan drinking water scheme, ensuring that residents will have access to clean and safe drinking water by the following year.
Notably, Vikramaditya Singh pledged to establish an educational institution in honour of the late Virbhadra Singh. This initiative will contribute to the fields of education and studies, carrying forward the legacy of Virbhadra Singh who devoted his life to serving people.
Mandi MP and State Congress President Pratibha Singh said the legacy of "raja Sahib" will last for long as it was under his vision and leadership that Himachal attained new heights of development, 
Accompanying Agnihotri and Vikramaditya Singh were CPS Mohan Lal Brakta, Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore, Rampur MLA Nand Lal, President Zilla Parishad Chandra Prabha Negi, President of Himachal Welfare Foundation Atul Sharma, and several other officials and representatives.
Vikramaditya Singh revealed that Himachal Pradesh will get Rs. 2800 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, primarily dedicated to road repairs.
This significant funding will cover a vast network of roads, encompassing a total distance of 2400 kilometers, including crucial routes such as Kumarsain and Fagu-Chiog-Sainj.
Adding an altruistic touch to the event, the statue unveiling ceremony was accompanied by a blood donation camp and captivating cultural presentations by various Mahila Mandals, exemplifying the spirit of community service cherished by Virbhadra Singh throughout his life.
