The first Delhi BJP President, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, passed away at his residence on Tuesday morning at the age of 93, said Delhi BJP in a statement.
Party veteran Malhotra’s life was an example of simplicity and public service and he did much work for expansion of Jan Sangh in Delhi, said the party statement.
A five-time MP and two-time MLA from Delhi, Malhotra was one of the early stalwarts of the Delhi BJP, serving as the Leader of Opposition in the assembly. He 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.
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He had defeated Congress candidate Manmohan Singh from South Delhi in the 1999 Lok Sabha polls. Singh went on to become prime minister in 2004.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed grief on Tuesday at the death of Malhotra, and lauded his contribution to public life.
The Prime Minister 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.”
Malhotra, besides being the former president of Jana Sangh and BJP in Delhi, was also involved in sports administration.
Incidentally, his passing away came a day after Delhi BJP received a permanent office at DDU Marg that was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on Monday.
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