Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra passed away in New Delhi on September 30, 2025, at the age of 93. A towering presence in Delhi’s political landscape for more than five decades, Malhotra’s death has been mourned across party lines, with tributes highlighting his contributions to Indian politics and public life.

Born in December 1931 in Lahore, Malhotra witnessed the turbulence of Partition before moving to Delhi, where he went on to build a long and distinguished career. He began his political journey with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later played a central role in strengthening the BJP’s base in the national capital. Over the years, he served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament as well as a legislator in the Delhi Assembly.

One of the most defining moments of his career came during the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, when he defeated Congress candidate and future Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in South Delhi. That victory cemented his place in political history and underscored his mass appeal. Within the party, he held several key positions, including being the first president of the BJP’s Delhi unit, and was widely respected for his organizational skills and straightforward approach.

Beyond politics, Malhotra was active in sports administration and worked to promote athletics at the national level. Known for his simplicity and integrity, he remained a mentor figure for many younger leaders in the BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a principled leader who always stood by his convictions. Senior leaders such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and J.P. Nadda also expressed deep sorrow, calling his passing an irreparable loss to the party and the nation.

Vijay Kumar Malhotra’s legacy lies not only in electoral victories but also in his steadfast commitment to public service, which earned him a lasting place in India’s political narrative.