BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra no more

 
Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former lawmaker Vijay Kumar Malhotra passed away in the Capital on Tuesday last week. He was 93 years old at the time of his death. Among the BJP's most celebrated figures, he was credited with the party's expansion in Delhi. Vijay Kumar Malhotra was a renowned sports organizer too.

Malhotra, who was born in Lahore, honed his political skills as a member of the BJP's precursor, Jana Sangh. A two-term assembly and five-term parliamentarian, he served as the chief of the BJP's Delhi unit twice. He defeated the late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the 1999 Lok Sabha polls.

Tributes poured in as soon as the news of Malhotra's death spread out. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Vijay Kumar Malhotra's vital role in strengthening the BJP in Delhi. "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," Narendra Modi tweeted on X.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said stalwarts like Malhotra have a special place in Jana Sangh and the BJP's history. "He assiduously worked to strengthen our Party in Delhi" Rajnath Singh commemorated.

Rajnath Singh stated that Vijay Kumar Malhotra was widely respected for his knowledge of the Constitution. "He was a seasoned Parliamentarian who worked tirelessly among people. I am saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti," Rajnath Singh included in his condolence note about Vijay Kumar Malhotra.