BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Malhotra passes away at 94

Veteran BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra passed way at 94 on Tuesday morning, the party said. He was undergoing treatment at AIIMS for the last few days.

"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.

Incidentally, Malhotra's passing away came a day after Delhi BJP received a permanent office at DDU Marg that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.

PM Modi expressed his grief at Malhotra’s death and lauded his contribution to public life.

Malhotra was one of the early stalwarts of the Delhi BJP, serving as the Leader of Opposition in the assembly and was also projected as the party's chief ministerial face in 2008 in an election in which the Congress under Sheila Dikshit maintained its winning streak.

Modi said on X, “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 added, “He is also remembered for his Parliamentary interventions. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

A five-time MP and two-time MLA from Delhi, Malhotra had defeated Congress candidate Manmohan Singh from South Delhi in the 1999 Lok Sabha polls.

Malhotra was the former president of Jana Sangh and BJP in Delhi. He was also involved in sports administration.

His body will be brought to his official Residence 21 Gurdwara Rakabganj Road for mourners to pay last respects, the party said.