Chandigarh/Dharamshala: Former Member of Parliament from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, Kishan Kapoor, a veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader who held multiple key portfolios in the Himachal Pradesh government, passed away at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh on Saturday following a brief illness. He was 73.
Kapoor, known for his towering political presence and record-breaking victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, is survived by his wife Rekha Kapoor, son Shashwat Kapoor and daughter Pragati Kapoor.
Political career spanning over five decades
Born on June 25, 1951, in Kangra, Kishan Kapoor had a political career spanning over five decades. He began his political journey with the Jan Sangh in the 1970s before becoming an active member of the BJP during its formation in 1980.
Rising through the ranks, he held key positions, including Yuva Morcha secretary and Mandal Adhyaksh of Dharamshala, before contesting his first Assembly election in 1985.
Kapoor represented the Dharamshala Assembly constituency five times and served in various ministerial roles under the leadership of Prem Kumar Dhumal and Jai Ram Thakur.
Held several ministerial portfolios in state
His contributions spanned critical portfolios such as Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Industries, Transport, Urban Development and Tribal Development.
Despite facing electoral defeats in 2003 and 2012, Kapoor’s resilience and deep connection with the grassroots ensured his political resurgence.
National record-breaking victory in 2019
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Kishan Kapoor secured a historic win from the Kangra constituency, defeating his nearest rival by an unprecedented margin of 4.77 lakh votes.
This victory not only marked the second-largest voting percentage nationwide at 72.2% but also solidified his reputation as one of the most influential BJP leaders in Himachal Pradesh.
His tenure as an MP from May 23, 2019, to June 4, 2024, was marked by active engagement with developmental projects and constituency welfare initiatives.
BJP’s decision to drop him had raised questions
Known for his grassroots connect, Kishan Kapoor was dropped by the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha election and replaced with Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj, who too won.
Kapoor was widely respected for his accessibility and commitment to addressing public grievances. His ability to balance party loyalty with a people-centric approach earned him admiration across party lines.