Delhi BJP's First President And 6-Time MP Vijay Kumar Malhotra Passes Away; PM Modi Condoles Demise

 

 

New Delhi: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and five-time MP from Delhi, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, passed away at the age of 94 on Tuesday morning. He was undergoing treatment at AIIMS here for the last few days, party sources said.

 

"With deep sorrow, we have to inform that senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party and the first president of Delhi BJP, Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra, passed away this morning," Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva said in a statement.

His life was an example of simplicity and dedication to public service. Since the days of Jan Sangh, he worked tirelessly to expand the ideology of the Sangh in Delhi, Sachdeva said. "His life has always been, and will continue to be, a source of inspiration for all BJP workers," he added.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the veteran leader's residence and paid tributes. Union Minister and the party's national president JP Nadda was also present with him. Earlier today, expressing his condolences, PM Modi said Vijay Malhotra had played a crucial role in strengthening the party in the national capital.

 

In a post on X, he said, "Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra Ji distinguished himself as an outstanding leader, who had a very good understanding of people’s issues. He played a vital role in strengthening our Party in Delhi. He is also remembered for his Parliamentary interventions. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the demise of the senior BJP leader. "Whether as the President of Delhi BJP, the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, or as a people's representative, Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra ji served the country and the people of Delhi in every role. In every meeting with him, I gained insights into many intricate aspects related to the organisation," he said.

 

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remembered VK Malhotra as a living example of patriotism, organisational skills, and discipline. In her condolence message posted on X, she wrote, "From the era of the Jan Sangh to the establishment of the BJP, his life has been a living example of patriotism, organisational skills, and discipline. As the first president of Delhi BJP, he strengthened the foundation of the organisation and showed countless workers the path of service and dedication."

 

Incidentally, Malhotra passed away a day after the Delhi BJP received a permanent office at DDU Marg on Monday. Malhotra had been a five-time Parliamentarian and two-time MLA from Delhi and was a prominent face of the party in the capital. His body will be brought to his official Residence, 21 Gurdwara Rakabganj Road, for people to pay their last respects, the party said.