Vijay Kumar Malhotra, a prominent figure in Indian politics and a veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the age of 93. He breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he had been receiving treatment for a few days.

Born on December 3, 1931, in Lahore, British India (now Pakistan), Malhotra's political journey spanned several decades, shaping the political landscape of Delhi. He began his career with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, later becoming a key figure in the BJP. He served as the President of the Delhi Pradesh Jana Sangh from 1972 to 1975 and twice headed the Delhi unit of the BJP between 1977 and 1984.

Malhotra held several significant positions throughout his career, including a five-time Member of Parliament (MP) and a two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). He also served as Delhi's chief executive councillor, a position equivalent to the present-day Chief Minister. He represented Delhi Sadar and South Delhi constituencies in the 9th and 14th Lok Sabha, respectively. A major highlight of his political career was in 1999 when he defeated former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2004 general election, he was the only BJP candidate to win a seat in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Malhotra's death, acknowledging his significant contributions to the party and the nation. Modi described him as an "outstanding leader" with a deep understanding of people's issues, adding that Malhotra played a vital role in strengthening the BJP in Delhi. The Prime Minister also recalled Malhotra's impactful interventions in parliamentary matters. Following the news of his death, PM Modi visited Malhotra's residence to pay his last respects and offer a floral tribute.

Numerous other political figures also paid tribute to the late leader. Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda described the loss as irreparable for the BJP and remembered Malhotra's simplicity, integrity and unwavering loyalty. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Malhotra's life was a living example of patriotism, organizational skills and discipline.

Beyond politics, Malhotra was also an educationist, holding a doctorate in Hindi literature. He was actively involved in sports administration, contributing to the growth of chess and archery in Delhi. He served as the Senior Vice-President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the acting President of the IOA from 2011. He was also the president of the Archery Association of India for 44 years.

Malhotra was known for his simple lifestyle and clean image throughout his career. According to affidavits filed during elections, his wealth mainly consisted of ancestral land and properties in Delhi. His declared assets were estimated to be around Rs 8–10 crore by the 2013 Assembly elections.

Vijay Kumar Malhotra's death marks the end of an era in Delhi's political history. He is remembered as a dedicated leader who played a crucial role in shaping the BJP's presence in the capital and contributed significantly to Indian politics and society.