BJP Leaders Mourn Death of Former Himachal Minister Major Vijay Singh Mankotia

Mankotia, a five-time MLA from Shahpur in Kangra district, had a political career spanning more than four decades. He died in Kangra following a brief illness, according to reports. His body was later taken to his native village of Tiara.

Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, Himachal Pradesh BJP president Rajeev Bindal, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, former Chief Ministers Prem Kumar Dhumal and Shanta Kumar, and several BJP MPs expressed condolences to his family.

BJP leaders remembered Mankotia's career as a combination of military service and public life. Before entering politics, he served as an officer in the Indian Army, and later built a long-standing political base in Shahpur.

Mankotia first won the Shahpur Assembly seat as an independent candidate in 1982 and went on to represent the constituency five times. He also served twice as a minister in Himachal Pradesh governments, including as Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister. Historical records also show his association with the state's Law portfolio.

Nadda described Mankotia's death as a loss to Himachal Pradesh's public life, recalling his service to the country as a soldier and his subsequent contribution as an elected representative.

Himachal BJP chief Rajeev Bindal described Mankotia as an experienced and outspoken leader whose political career covered several significant periods in the state's history. Bindal said his transition from military service to electoral politics reflected his long association with both the country and Himachal Pradesh.

Jai Ram Thakur also paid tribute to Mankotia, recalling his association with Kangra and particularly Shahpur. He said Mankotia's political experience and forthright approach had left a lasting impression on the state's public life.

Former chief ministers Prem Kumar Dhumal and Shanta Kumar also expressed their condolences, remembering Mankotia's long contribution to Himachal Pradesh's politics and public affairs.

Mankotia's political journey included periods with different political formations. He was associated with the Congress for several years and also played a role in the growth of the Janata Dal in Himachal Pradesh. He later joined the BJP in 2022.

His political career was particularly closely associated with Shahpur, which he represented five times. He served as a minister on two occasions and remained an outspoken figure in Himachal politics even after leaving electoral politics.

BJP leaders said Mankotia would be remembered for his military service, decades in public life, administrative experience and association with the people of Kangra. Condolences were also conveyed to his family as political leaders across the state mourned his death.