Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the veteran BJP leader and the party's first president in Delhi, passed away at AIIMS Hospital on Tuesday morning at the age of 94. Malhotra was a five-time Member of Parliament and a two-time MLA, long recognized as one of the BJP’s most distinguished faces, especially in the capital. His leadership and dedication to public service stretched from the Jan Sangh era to his pivotal role in expanding the BJP’s reach in Delhi.

His passing was announced by Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, who remembered Malhotra’s life as an embodiment of simplicity and selfless public service. Sachdeva noted Malhotra’s instrumental work in developing Delhi—including the construction of the city’s first flyover—and spreading the RSS and party ideology since the early 1970s. Malhotra was also remembered for his famous 1999 Lok Sabha victory over former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his role as a strong parliamentarian and party strategist.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Malhotra’s demise, paying floral tribute at his residence and describing him as an outstanding leader with a deep connection to grassroots issues, whose parliamentary interventions made a lasting mark. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also noted Malhotra’s tireless work for the party and respect for his knowledge of the Indian Constitution.

The senior leader’s contributions will continue to inspire the BJP, with party leaders, workers, and admirers gathering at his official residence to pay their last respects.