With the passing of Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the final connection to a golden chapter of Delhi’s political history has been severed. My heart feels heavy with grief and nostalgia. I still remember the days when Kedarnath Sahni, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, and Madan Lal Khurana would often visit our home and office. Though all three were senior to Ashwini, they shared a deep affection and respect for him—thanks to Lala ji, Ramesh ji, and Ashwini’s work in journalism. Those were the times when the Punjabi community held a strong influence over Delhi’s politics.
From the era of the Jan Sangh itself, Punjabis played a leading role in shaping Delhi’s political landscape. The trio of Khurana, Sahni, and Malhotra founded the Delhi unit of the Jan Sangh and later became the backbone of the Delhi BJP. With Malhotra ji’s demise, the last member of that remarkable trio is no more. I often wonder where those leaders have gone—leaders who were loved, trusted, and respected by the people. They were men the public could approach in any hour of need, and the Punjabi community, too, played a key role in strengthening the BJP’s base in Delhi.
Like Khurana and Sahni, Vijay Kumar Malhotra was a true grassroots leader who held immense sway in Delhi’s politics. After the Partition, when a large number of families migrated from Pakistan to Delhi, he dedicated himself to the welfare of the Punjabi community. It was largely their support that helped the BJP come to power in 1993, making Madan Lal Khurana the Chief Minister. I still recall Malhotra ji’s presence in Delhi on January 1, 1983, for the launch of Punjab Kesari. Our family’s relationship with him, as with Khurana ji and Sahni ji, was personal and warm.
Ashwini held all three in great esteem. Even in their later years, Khurana and Malhotra would drop by Ashwini’s office in the evenings. They both had a fondness for Dahi Bhalla, Gol Gappa, and Pakoras, and loved celebrating Holi. Long discussions on politics would go on late into the evening. Malhotra ji often spoke with deep emotion about the pain of Partition, recalling how he spent his early years at the RSS camp in Phagwara, helping displaced families. His bonds with leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani were also very close. Whether it was organizational growth or ideological conviction, he stood as a pillar of the Atal-Advani era.
After the Jan Sangh merged into the Janata Party in 1977, Malhotra ji became the President of the Delhi unit. When the BJP was founded in 1980, he was appointed as its first Delhi President. His long and distinguished political journey saw him serve five terms as a Member of Parliament, twice as an MLA, and also as a Rajya Sabha member.
Even during the difficult period following the 2004 “India Shining” campaign—when the BJP lost much ground across major cities—Malhotra ji managed to win a Lok Sabha seat from Delhi. One of his most memorable victories came in 1999, when he defeated Dr. Manmohan Singh in South Delhi, a result that took many by surprise. In 2008, the BJP chose him as its Chief Ministerial candidate for the Delhi Assembly elections, and though the party fell short of power, he won from the Greater Kailash constituency.
As an MP, Malhotra ji’s voice resonated powerfully in Parliament. He served as the party’s deputy leader and was known for consistently raising Delhi’s concerns, including the long-standing demand for full statehood. The foundations of many of Delhi’s key infrastructure projects—like the city’s first flyover and the Ring Road—were laid during his tenure as MCD CEO.
Beyond politics, Malhotra ji was an academic and an inspiring figure for the youth. Holding a PhD in Hindi literature, he taught at Delhi University and left a mark on countless students. His role in sports administration was equally significant—he served as the Senior Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association, led India’s contingent to the 1974 Asian Games, and helped strengthen federations like Archery and Chess.
He remained closely associated with our family, often visiting the GK-2 branch and expressing his joy at the work being done there. His energy, discipline, and humility inspired everyone around him.
Vijay Kumar Malhotra was more than a politician—he was a builder of institutions, an ideologue, and a compassionate social worker. He dedicated his life to promoting health, education, and sports, always guiding and motivating the younger generation. His passing reminds us that true legacy lies not in titles or power, but in organizational commitment, ideological strength, and social service.
Today, as the Delhi BJP operates from its grand new office, it stands firmly on the foundation built by pioneers like Malhotra ji. His contribution and devotion will always be remembered. On behalf of the Punjab Kesari family, we pay our heartfelt tribute to him.
