Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Former Himachal Pradesh MP Pratibha Singh has approached the Election Commission over alleged attempts to form political parties using the name of late former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. She has written to the Chief Election Commissioner, requesting that permission not be granted for the registration of political parties using Virbhadra Singh’s name or terms associated with him.
In her letter, Pratibha Singh objected to reported attempts to form political parties with names such as “Rashtrawadi Virbhadra Congress” and “Veer Congress.” She also drew the Commission’s attention to the proposed political use of names and terms such as “Raja,” “Bushahr” and “Raja Bushahr.”
Pratibha Singh said she learned about such attempts through newspapers and social media. Following this, she urged the Election Commission to intervene in the matter.
She said that while everyone has the freedom to form a political party, the name and reputation of her late husband, Virbhadra Singh, should not be used without permission from her or any member of his family.
Pratibha Singh also clarified that neither she nor any member of her family has given permission or consent to anyone to form a political party using these names.
Her objection is not against the right to establish a new political party itself, but specifically concerns the use of Virbhadra Singh’s name and names associated with his political legacy.
Following the objection submitted by Pratibha Singh before the Election Commission, attention will now be focused on what decision the Commission takes on the matter.
