PM Modi Pays Tribute to Veteran BJP Leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra

New Delhi, Sept 2023 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid his last respects to senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra, who passed away earlier in the day at the age of 93.

Malhotra, born in December 1931 in Lahore, was a towering figure in Delhi’s political landscape for more than four decades. His mortal remains were placed at his residence, where the Prime Minister arrived to offer his condolences. Later, the body will be taken to the Delhi BJP office for party leaders and workers to pay their respects.

Several prominent leaders, including BJP national president J.P. Nadda and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, joined party members in mourning his passing.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over Malhotra’s demise, describing him as an “outstanding leader” who deeply understood people’s concerns.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: “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. Om Shanti.”

Malhotra’s political journey was long and illustrious. He served as a five-time Member of Parliament and a two-time Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. He led the Delhi Pradesh Jana Sangh between 1972 and 1975, and later became President of BJP’s Delhi unit on two occasions (1977–80 and 1980–84).

In the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Malhotra emerged as the only BJP candidate to win a seat in Delhi, cementing his reputation as one of the party’s most resilient leaders. He was also credited with steering the BJP through difficult phases in Delhi, alongside senior leaders such as Kedar Nath Sahni and Madan Lal Khurana.

One of Malhotra’s most significant achievements was his victory over former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the 1999 general election, which remains a landmark in Delhi’s electoral history.

Remembered as a stalwart who kept the BJP’s presence strong in the capital, Malhotra’s legacy as one of Delhi’s most senior political figures will endure.