"Raja nahi fakir hai, Himachal ki takdeer hai" was a slogan that reverberated across the state during his lifetime and even after and one that even his opponents and critics could not counter.

That was the charisma of late Virbhadra Singh, a six-time Chief Minister who died on 8 July 2021 at the age of 87.

Although his opponents often accused him of being ‘feudalistic’ and ‘inflexible’, people admired his charm and charisma. 

He had an undeniable public connect, most evident at his widely attended rallies.

In the pre-cell phone era, Singh was one of those chief ministers who would answer his phone himself.

As he advanced in age, Virbhadra Singh had to fend off threats from younger leaders, who often charged him with monopolising the party and not letting a second layer emerge.

But he remained a die-hard Congress loyalist till the end. On many occasions, he pushed the party high command to the wall to have his way.

For he was a true mass leader and not a paratrooper that was foisted on the party and the state. The late leader would often say that the people of Himachal Pradesh are his real strength.

“My strength is my people , you all . Your heart-warming love for me, the affection, support and trust, which I get from you, is my only strength."

Asked why he wasn't afraid of the party high command, Virbhadra Singh would reply: "We are Paharis, and we know how to live with self-esteem. We don't like to be bullied “

In the first picture, Virbhadra Singh can be seen with two other Chief Ministers - Ram Lal Thakur and Dr YS Parmar - dancing to a Himachali song.

In the second photo, he can be seen with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister YS Parmar.

In the third picture, Virbhadra Singh is seen with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

To be continued....