Former MP objects to proposed political parties using late Himachal CM’s name; says family never authorised use of his name or legacy
Shimla, October 7
A political row over the legacy of former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has reached the Election Commission, with his wife and former Mandi MP Pratibha Singh opposing attempts to form political parties allegedly using his name and public image. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner dated October 7, Pratibha Singh has urged the Election Commission not to register any political party using the name of Virbhadra Singh or a similar name that could be associated with him or his legacy.
Singh said she came across reports in newspapers and on social media about attempts to form new political outfits in Himachal Pradesh using the late leader’s name and goodwill. The letter specifically mentions proposed names such as “Rashtrawadi Virbhadra Congress” and “Veer Congress.”
Pratibha Singh said there was no objection to anyone exercising their right to form a political party, but strongly objected to the use of Virbhadra Singh’s name and legacy without the family’s consent. “Neither I nor any member of my family has authorised or consented to it,” she said in the representation. She also drew the Commission’s attention to reported attempts to use names such as “Raja”, “Bushahar” and “Raja Bushahar”, saying these names were closely associated with Virbhadra Singh and his historical connection with the erstwhile Bushahr State.
Singh has asked the Election Commission to take strong action and prevent the registration of political parties under the names mentioned in her complaint or under any similar name that, in her view, could misuse Virbhadra Singh’s identity and goodwill. She has also sought an opportunity to be heard before the Commission takes any decision on any such application.The complaint comes ahead of the 2027 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, putting the spotlight once again on the political legacy of Virbhadra Singh and the competing claims around his name and identity.
