Harsh Malhotra Sworn in as Minister of State in Modi's Cabinet

In a significant political development, Harsh Malhotra, a first-time Member of Parliament (MP), was sworn into the Narendra Modi government as a Union minister of state on Sunday. Malhotra, known for his organizational skills and grassroots work within the party in Delhi, has emerged as a notable figure, having been chosen over experienced politicians such as three-time MP Manoj Tiwari and Bansuri Swaraj, the daughter of former union minister Sushma Swaraj.

Malhotra's political journey took a pivotal turn when he was selected to contest from the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency for the 2024 general elections, replacing Gautam Gambhir. This decision came after Gambhir decided to concentrate on his cricketing commitments. Malhotra secured his position by defeating INDIA bloc's Kuldeep Kumar with a significant margin of 93,663 votes.

The Delhi BJP President, Virendra Sachdeva, lauded Prime Minister Modi's decision to include Malhotra in the cabinet. Sachdeva highlighted Malhotra's long-standing commitment to the party and his efforts in strengthening its base in Delhi over his three-decade-long political career. He expressed confidence that Malhotra's inclusion would honor grassroots workers and enhance Centre-sponsored development initiatives in the capital.

Currently serving as the General Secretary of the BJP Delhi unit, Malhotra boasts an impressive educational background with degrees from the University of Delhi's Hansraj College and an LLB obtained in 1987. His political career began in earnest when he was elected as a councillor for the East Delhi Municipal Corporation in 2012 from Welcome Colony. His tenure as chairman of the civic body's education committee saw the launch and successful implementation of the Suposhan programme, aimed at combating malnutrition among approximately 60,000 primary students across 398 municipal schools.

Malhotra's leadership extended to his election as Mayor of East Delhi Municipal Corporation in 2015, where he initiated projects focusing on converting waste to wealth and generating electricity from municipal garbage. A staunch advocate for organ donation, Malhotra is a founding member of Dadhichi Deh Daan Samiti, dedicating over two decades to this cause.

Born on April 24, 1964, in Delhi into an educators' family, Malhotra ventured into the printing business in 1986. As President of the Delhi Printers Association and serving as Joint Secretary of the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), he has been a vocal advocate for the printing community. His role was crucial during the relocation of industries in 1996, ensuring a smooth transition for printers to the Bawana Industrial area.

This appointment marks a significant milestone in Malhotra's political career, reflecting his dedication and service to both his party and community. His diverse contributions across various sectors underscore his potential to significantly impact his new role within the Union government.