New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid his last respects to senior BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra, who passed away the same day.
Malhotra, born in December 1931 in Lahore, died at the age of 93. His family placed his mortal remains at his residence, where the Prime Minister arrived to offer his condolences. Later, officials will bring the remains to the Delhi BJP office for the public to pay last respects.
During the visit, BJP national chief J.P. Nadda, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and several senior party leaders joined the Prime Minister.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi expressed sadness over Malhotra’s passing, calling him an “outstanding leader” who deeply understood people’s issues.
In a post on X, PM Modi 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 served as a five-time MP and two-time MLA from Delhi. He led as President of the Delhi Pradesh Jana Sangh (1972-75) and twice as President of the BJP Delhi Pradesh (1977-80, 1980-84).
In the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Malhotra became the only BJP candidate to win his seat in Delhi.
The Delhi BJP noted that Malhotra had an active career in politics alongside Kedar Nath Sahni and Madan Lal Khurana. The party also credits him for keeping the BJP afloat in Delhi for several years.
“His biggest political victory came when he defeated former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by a huge margin in the 1999 Indian general election,” Malhotra’s profile on Delhi BJP reads.
The party further stated that Malhotra’s work in Delhi over the last 45 years established him as one of the most senior BJP figures in the capital.
–IANS
