'King of Hearts' now adores The Ridge in capital city.
Shimla, October 13:
The historic Ridge in Shimla turned into a sea of emotions, nostalgia, and celebration as Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi unveiled the statue of six-time Chief Minister Raja Virbhadra Singh on Monday.
The air echoed with chants of “Virbhadra Singh Amar Rahe!” as drums rolled and cheers filled the sunny Monday warmed up the chilly October breeze.
Standing tall in bronze, the statue of the man known as the “Raja of Hearts” now adorns the Ridge — the same place that witnessed decades of his political charisma.
He towers along with the founder CM Dr YS Parmar remembered as the architect of Himachal Pradesh.
Sonia Gandhi, joined by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, PWD Minister and son Vikramaditya Singh, and State Congress President Pratibha Singh and her family members, and Dr Shandil, Chander Kumar, cabinet ministers, MLAs including local MLA Harish Janartha and others unveiled the statue amid thunderous applause.
Also present were senior Congress leaders Rajni Patil, Sachin Pilot, Rajeev Shukla, Deepender Hooda, Kaul Singh Thakur, Asha Kumari, Ram Lal Thakur and other party veterans from Himachal and beyond.
As the ceremonial cloth dropped, slogans of “Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Raja Virbhadra tera naam rahega!” rose in unison from the massive crowd that had gathered hours before the event.
After unveiling the statue, Sonia Gandhi and other dignitaries visited an exhibition depicting Virbhadra Singh’s 55-year-long political journey — from his early royal years to his rise as a mass leader who shaped modern Himachal Pradesh.
The exhibition brought back memories of his deep connect with the people, his dignified simplicity, and his firm yet compassionate leadership.
People from every corner of Himachal — farmers, students, retired officials, women, and children — thronged the Ridge to pay homage.
Many carried placards calling him “Jan Nayak,” others held portraits and garlands. “He was truly the king of hearts,” said Devinder Sharma, a Congress worker from Mandi. “Even born in royalty, he lived like a common man — humble, just, and full of compassion.”
For many, the moment felt more like a pilgrimage than a ceremony. “It’s like a Kumbh Mela of emotions,” said a local teacher from Rohru, her eyes moist with pride. “Virbhadra Singh is not just a leader — he’s a legacy.”
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who personally oversaw every detail of the event, said the unveiling was not just a tribute but a reaffirmation of Congress’s ideological roots.
“Raja Sahib’s name is synonymous with Himachal’s growth and justice. The Congress party draws its strength from his vision,” said Congress workers.
Congress Seva Dal veterans recalled how Virbhadra Singh worked closely with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Rajiv Gandhi, yet remained deeply grounded.
His tenure was marked by administrative discipline, people-first governance, and an open-door policy that made him a leader beyond party lines.
“He was an institution in himself,” said Janeb Chandel while interacting with media at the venue. “Even in his absence, his thoughts and ideals continue to guide us.”
As bright westerly sun fell on the Ridge, the bronze statue of "Raja Sahib" gleamed under the golden lights — a timeless reminder of a man who ruled not just a state, but hearts.
#VirbhadraSinghAmarRahe #SoniaGandhiInShimla #HimachalCongress #ShimlaRidgeCeremony
