Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and senior MP Vijay Kumar Malhotra died on Tuesday morning at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was 93 years old.
Malhotra, who has had a long and active political life, was widely respected for his ideological commitment and contribution in strengthening the BJP, especially in political spectrum.
Born in Lahore, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Malhotra started his political journey from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. In 1972, he was elected President of Delhi Pradesh Jana Sangh and held the post till 1975.
He was the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party twice, first in 1977 and then in 1980. A senior BJP leader who plays an active role in politics is credited with preserving the party in the national capital for many years. Malhotra, a five -time MP and two -time assembly member, was the only BJP candidate to win a seat in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the death of Malhotra and recalled his significant contribution.
The Prime Minister wrote in a post on X, “Mr. Vijay Kumar Malhotra ji made his mark as an outstanding leader, who had a good understanding of people’s issues. He played an important role in strengthening our party in Delhi. He is also remembered for his intervention in parliamentary matters. His death was saddened. Consumption to his family and fans. Om Shanti.”
BJP’s Delhi unit has also mourned the death of this senior leader. The party said in a post on X, “The news of the sudden demise of senior BJP leader, Professor Vijay Kumar Malhotra ji of Delhi BJP, is extremely heartbreaking. In this hour of grief, the entire BJP family stands with their families. Give God the departed soul a place in their shrines. ॐ Shanti.”
Leaders of various parties have expressed condolences, and have remembered Malhotra’s service to decades in public life and their dedication to the democratic process.
