Staff Reporter / New Delhi
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and veteran parliamentarian Vijay Kumar Malhotra passed away on Tuesday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. He was 93.
Malhotra, one of the founding figures of the BJP in the national capital, was also the first president of the Delhi BJP unit and played a key role in consolidating the party’s base in the city. Over his long political career, he was elected multiple times as a Member of Parliament and remained a central figure in both Delhi and national politics.
A highlight of his electoral career came in 1999, when he defeated former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the South Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Known for his sharp organizational skills and deep connect with grassroots workers, Malhotra was often regarded as a bridge between senior leadership and the party cadre.
Apart from politics, Malhotra was also closely associated with sports administration. He served as the acting president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and headed the Archery Association of India for decades, earning recognition for his contribution to the promotion of sports.
Leaders across the political spectrum paid tribute to Malhotra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, calling him “an outstanding leader who contributed immensely to public life and the BJP’s growth in Delhi.” The Delhi BJP described him as a leader who lived a life of simplicity, dedication, and unwavering ideological commitment.
Born in undivided Lahore in 1931, Malhotra migrated to India during Partition and soon immersed himself in public service. His long journey from grassroots politics to the national stage reflected both resilience and dedication.
His death marks the end of an era in Delhi politics, leaving behind a legacy of organizational strength and public service.