Senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra passed away on Tuesday morning at AIIMS Delhi at the age of 93, the hospital confirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over Malhotra’s passing, calling him an “outstanding leader” with a deep understanding of people’s issues.
In a post on X, the PM said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of BJP’s senior leader Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra Ji, who remained dedicated to public service throughout his life. He was a leader connected to the grassroots, with a deep understanding of the people’s issues. He played a crucial role in strengthening the party in Delhi. He will always be remembered for his activism and contributions in Parliament. In this hour of grief, my deepest condolences to his family members and well-wishers. Om Shanti!”
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/197286397161183273
Condoling his demise, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on X: “I am deeply grieved by the passing of BJP’s senior leader Shri Vijay Kumar Malhotra Ji, who played a pivotal role in shaping and expanding the organisation from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to the Janata Party and the BJP. Whether as the President of Delhi BJP, the Leader of 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.”
Shah added that the entire BJP stands with his family members in this hour of grief and prayed for Malhotra’s soul: “May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.”
Union Health Minister and BJP national president J.P. Nadda described Malhotra’s passing as an “irreparable loss to the BJP family.”
“Malhotra Ji, who was always characterised by simplicity, integrity, and unwavering loyalty to the organisation, not only contributed to its expansion in Delhi but also tirelessly guided countless workers and remained ever ready for national and public service,” he posted on X.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: “In the history of the Jana Sangh and BJP, stalwarts like Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra have a special place. He worked assiduously to strengthen our Party in Delhi. Widely respected for his knowledge of the Indian Constitution, he was a seasoned Parliamentarian who worked tirelessly among people. I am saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described Malhotra’s passing as an “extremely painful and irreparable loss.”
“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,” she said on X.
Gupta added that Malhotra’s demise has “left a deep void in both the BJP family and social life” and prayed for strength for the bereaved: “Om Shanti.”
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said the veteran leader’s passing was “extremely heartbreaking.”
“His entire life was dedicated to the nation, the organisation, and public service. From the era of the Jan Sangh to strengthening the BJP, he always gave a new direction to politics through ideals, penance, and a spirit of service. The BJP and the country will always remember his contributions and guidance,” she added.
Born in December 1931 in Lahore, Malhotra was a five-time MP and two-time MLA from Delhi. He served as president of the Delhi Pradesh Jana Sangh (1972–75) and twice as president of the BJP Delhi Pradesh (1977–80, 1980–84).
According to Delhi BJP, Malhotra had an active political career alongside Kedar Nath Sahni and Madan Lal Khurana and was credited with keeping the BJP afloat in Delhi for several years.