From Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to former CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal, many leaders across the political divide in Delhi were on the same page on Tuesday as they condoled the death of veteran BJP leader Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra.
The Delhi government has declared a one-day state mourning in Malhotra’s honour on Wednesday. CM Gupta said that the state government would ensure that his last rites are conducted with full honours. “He not only shaped Delhi’s politics but also set new standards of public service, earning respect as a true servant of the people. As the first President of Delhi BJP, he strengthened the party’s foundations and guided countless workers with his example of service, discipline, and dedication,” she said.
Former Delhi CM Kejriwal termed the news of Malhotra’s passing as “extremely heartbreaking”. He posted: “May God grant peace to the departed soul and provide a place at His divine feet.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also visited Malhotra’s home to pay their last tributes.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda termed Malhotra’s passing an “irreplaceable loss to the BJP family”. He posted on X: “The passing away of Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra ji, a senior leader who remained eternally dedicated to the organization from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the first president of Delhi BJP, is extremely heartbreaking.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembered Malhotra as someone who played a pivotal role in shaping and expanding the organisation from the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to the Janata Party and finally, the BJP.
“Whether as the President of Delhi BJP, the Leader of the 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 organization. In this hour of grief, the entire BJP family stands with his family members. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet,” he wrote on X.
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President Droupadi Murmu and CM Rekha Gupta pay tributes to VK Malhotra (Express/Amit Mehra)
In a press release, BJP MP from South Delhi, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, described Malhotra as the capital’s “most popular leader”, stating that he first conceived the vision of developing Delhi as the national capital in 1967 as Chief Executive Councillor.
“He surprised everyone with the cleanliness and beautification of the Yamuna River. He also showed the vision to build flyovers along with the intersections in Delhi,” he said. During his tenure, Malhotra was credited with commissioning Delhi’s first flyover which connected Patel Nagar to Moti Nagar.
Another BJP MP, Parveen Khandelwal from Chandni Chowk, remembered Malhotra as “a true friend of Delhi” and “a messiah for traders”. He said in a press release: “Malhotra Ji laid a strong foundation of modern development in Delhi and paved the way for the Capital’s progress. He was a genuine and trusted friend of the trading community of Delhi, always eager and sensitive in addressing traders’ issues. His consistent support and guidance were a source of great strength for the business fraternity.”
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