Union Minister of State and East Delhi MP Harsh Malhotra on Thursday officially took charge as the new president of the BJP’s Delhi unit, succeeding Virendra Sachdeva. After assuming office, Malhotra described the leadership transition in the party as a “relay race” and said he would work towards strengthening the organisation with the support of party workers and guidance from senior leaders.
Malhotra assumed charge at the Delhi BJP office in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, outgoing state BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, MPs Ramvir Bidhuri, Manoj Tiwari, Bansuri Swaraj and Kamaljeet Sehrawat, along with Delhi ministers and senior party leaders.
Addressing his first press conference as the Delhi BJP president, Malhotra said he would work together with lakhs of party workers and leaders to take the organisation to greater heights.
“Change of leadership is like a relay race and I have been given this responsibility. I am fortunate to received the well wishes and blessing of my predecessors, including (ex-Union minister) Harsh Vardhan,” He said.
He added that he would also focus on strengthening the work of the Rekha Gupta-led government in Delhi.
Malhotra thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief Nitin Nabin for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Delhi BJP unit.
“This demonstrates the strength and beauty of the Bharatiya Janata Party. In the BJP, even an ordinary party worker can be entrusted with the highest responsibilities. I was made an MP and then a minister, and now being given the responsibility of leading the Delhi BJP, such opportunities are possible only in the BJP,” Malhotra said.
Rekha Gupta, Sachdeva Extend Support
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta congratulated Malhotra and said his style of functioning was already well known among party workers and leaders.
She said Malhotra would treat everyone in the organisation like family and praised outgoing president Virendra Sachdeva for strengthening the BJP during his tenure. Gupta underlined that it was under Sachdeva’s leadership that the BJP returned to power in Delhi after 27 years.
Sachdeva, who completed his three-year term in March this year, said the BJP government was fully committed to serving the people of Delhi.
He congratulated Malhotra and expressed confidence that the party would scale new heights under his leadership.
“I wish him a bright future, and we will all work together under his leadership,” he added.
In a light-hearted farewell gesture, Sachdeva distributed ‘Melody’ toffees among party staff, workers and leaders. The toffees recently became the subject of social media memes after Prime Minister Modi presented them to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a viral video.
After formally taking charge, Malhotra also held a meeting with senior Delhi BJP leaders and party workers.
The 62-year-old leader represents the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency and currently serves as Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways as well as Corporate Affairs.
(With Inputs From PTI)