Vir Bhadra Singh -A strong Congress pillar uprooted

Dharamsala: The longest-serving chief minister of Himachal Pradesh who dominated the state politics for 50 years, Virbhadra Singh (23 June 1934- 8 July 2021), who passed away early Thursday morning, leaves behind a rich legacy. An old-school politician, Singh, fondly also called “Raja Sahib”, used a rare combination of wit and charm to overcome every political challenge that came his way, both from within the party and outside. Condoling the death of veteran Congress leader and former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that he played a pivotal role in the state and served its people.

The 87-year-old Singh died in Shimla early on Thursday after a prolonged illness.

A nine-time MLA and five-time MP, Singh served as Himachal Pradesh chief minister for six times.

Paying tributes PM Modi said Virbhadra Singh had a long political career, with rich administrative and legislative experience. He played a pivotal role in Himachal Pradesh and served the people of the state. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.

Many Congress leaders paid rich tributes to former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

Rahul Gandhi said Virbhadra Singh was a stalwart in the true sense. His commitment to serving the people and to the Congress party remained exemplary till the very end. My condolences to his family and friends. We will miss him.

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of former Himachal CM Raja Virbhadra Singh. An able administrator and a gentleman who was loved by the people, he was not just an elder brother but also a mentor to many to us. May God grant his soul eternal peace.
 
Remembering the deceased leader, Rajasthan CM Gehlot said deeply saddened by the demise of former CM of Himachal Pradesh and senior Congress leader Virbhadra Singh. His contribution to the party and in serving people would always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May they remain strong. May his soul RIP.
 
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “Possessing the political stature as the giant mountains, Virbhadra Singh took Himachal Pradesh to new heights. We all have suffered an irreparable loss due to his death. May God grant him a place on his feet. My humble tributes.”

Singh contracted Covid twice, once on April 12 and then in June but managed to cover before succumbing to Covid-related complications. The six-time chief minister of Himachal Pradesh was elected to the state assembly nine times. He was also a five-time MP.  Singh, who started his political innings at the age of 27 when he was elected a member of Parliament in 1962, the youngest in the third Lok Sabha, remained a staunch Congressman all his life. He had been an MP thrice, in 1967, 1971 and 1980 before he became the state chief minister.

DALAI LAMA SENT CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING AWAY OF VIRBHADRA SINGH
Dharamsala: The office of the Dalai lama in Dharamsala (North India) has informed that  on receiving the news this morning that former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Virbhadra Singh, had passed away, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote to his widow, Smt Pratibha Singh, to offer his condolences.
“Dedicating himself to the service of others,” His Holiness wrote, “Virbhadra Singh led a long and meaningful life. I admired the way he listened to people’s needs with deep affection and compassion. I am personally grateful for the warm friendship he showed me over the many years we knew each other.
“Historically there have long been close ties between the people of the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr, to which ‘Raja Sahib’ belonged, and their neighbours in western Tibet.
“Here in Himachal Pradesh, Shri Virbhadra Singh, our longest serving Chief Minister, will be sorely missed.”
His Holiness concluded his letter, “With my prayers.”