New Delhi : Delhi Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Parvesh Verma on Monday paid tribute to his late father and former Chief Minister and father Sahib Singh Verma, on his 18th death anniversary.
Verma, while speaking to news agency, said that the party's resolution was to fulfil the dreams of Sahib Singh Verma. "Today, all of us performed a havan here on the 18th death anniversary of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh, paid tribute to him, and remembered him. Thousands of people from the NCR came and remembered him, with whom he was connected... Our resolve is to fulfil his dreams, and we are moving forward in that direction," Parvesh Verma said while speaking to news agency.
Earlier, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also paid homage to the former CM Sahib Singh Verma and stated that he was a strong voice for the workers, farmers and the marginalised communities in Delhi's politics. In a post on social media X, the CM wrote that Verma's service and principles were his resolve. "On the death anniversary of former Chief Minister Dr. Sahib Singh Verma ji, who remained a strong voice for workers, farmers, and marginalized communities in Delhi's politics, I offer my respectful homage. Service and principles were his resolve. From rural Delhi to Parliament, his life was a symbol of dedication to the nation, simplicity, and relentless struggle," the post read.
She further wrote in her post that the patriotic fervour and ascetic life of public service of Verma would continue to inspire generations forever. "His patriotic fervour and ascetic life of public service will continue to inspire future generations forever," the post further read. Sahib Singh Verma was known for his strong roots in agriculture and community service, having grown up in a traditional rural setting. His political journey began with his involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He played a key role in expanding the party's presence in Delhi and North India.
Verma served as the Mayor of Delhi from 1989 to 1991, with a focus on urban development. In 1996, he became the Chief Minister of Delhi, initiating several governance reforms and pro-poor policies, including improvements in infrastructure, water supply, and transport. In 1999, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from Outer Delhi. Later, in 2002, he was appointed as the Union Minister of Labour, where he advocated strongly for workers' rights and employment policies. Sahib Singh Verma lost his life on June 30, 2007, in a car accident while he was returning from Rajasthan.