Opinion Vijay Kumar Malhotra: Teacher, Karyakarta, and the Man Who Built the BJP in Delhi
Malhotra was more than a leader — he was a builder of institutions, a mentor to countless karyakartas, and a guiding light for the BJP
As one of the founding members of the BJP in 1980, Malhotra was entrusted as its first Delhi president. 
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The passing of Vijay Kumar Malhotra at the age of 94 marks the departure of a stalwart who shaped Delhi’s political and organisational landscape for over six decades. He was not just a politician, but a teacher, a mentor, and above all, a karyakarta whose life was dedicated to strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party and serving the people.
From the lanes of pre-Partition Lahore to the national capital, his journey was one of conviction, sacrifice, and relentless effort. Beginning with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and later as one of the founding members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Malhotra imbibed the spirit of nation-first service. By 1951, he was already secretary of the Delhi Jana Sangh. In 1967, at just 35 years of age, he became Chief Executive Councillor of the Delhi Metropolitan Council — the equivalent of today’s Chief Minister — marking him out as one of the youngest leaders to rise to such responsibility.
The 1970s tested his resolve. He was at the forefront of major national movements — the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir, the Goraksha agitation, and the fight against the Emergency, during which he spent 19 months in jail. These struggles defined his life as one of courage and ideological commitment.
As one of the founding members of the BJP in 1980, Malhotra was entrusted as its first Delhi president. From a modest office of two small rooms at Ajmeri Gate, he helped lay the organisational foundation that today has grown into the party’s massive headquarters and a powerful presence nationwide. Along with leaders like Kedar Nath Sahni and Madan Lal Khurana, Malhotra ensured that the BJP was deeply rooted in the strength of the karyakarta.
He always led by example. Known for his simplicity and accessibility, he would ride a bicycle through the lanes to meet karyakartas, stop for tea, and hear them out. Once, when a karyakarta jokingly asked if he would go to Parliament on a bicycle, Malhotra laughed and said: “It is easier to reach the hearts of the people on a bicycle.” That spirit of humility and connect remained his hallmark.
He was a five-time Member of Parliament and a two-time MLA. His victory in 1999 over Manmohan Singh in South Delhi was one of the most remarkable contests in Indian politics, and even in challenging years, he held on to his seat thanks to the loyalty of karyakartas and his personal rapport with the people. His projection as the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate in 2008 was a recognition of his credibility and the respect he commanded.
In Parliament, he was entrusted with key responsibilities, serving as Deputy Leader of the BJP in the Lok Sabha. His interventions reflected both his sharp intellect and his commitment to the party’s principles.
Malhotra was also a respected academic. A PhD in Hindi literature, he taught at PGDAV College for over three decades and inspired generations of students. He also left his mark in sports administration, serving in leadership roles within the Indian Olympic Association and as president of the Archery Association of India.
Malhotra believed in perseverance over shortcuts. His motto —“There are no shortcuts to success; miracles are the result of constant effort”— perfectly captured his own journey. Every stage of his life bore the imprint of steady work, selfless service, and unwavering dedication.
His passing coincides with a historic moment for the BJP. In the 2025 Assembly elections, the party secured an absolute majority government with its highest tally in nearly three decades. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this victory was seen as a continuation of the vision of sewa hi sangathan that leaders like Malhotra had lived by. His life’s work is visible in today’s BJP — an organisation built on the foundation of the karyakarta and strengthened by the ideals of service, discipline, and nationalism.
Malhotra was more than a leader — he was a builder of institutions, a mentor to countless karyakartas, and a guiding light for the BJP. His legacy will remain etched in the journey of our party, and his ideals will continue to inspire generations of karyakartas who carry forward the mission of nation-first service.
The writer is national spokesperson, Bharatiya Janata Party
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