Vishnu Hari Dalmia, former VHP President who spearheaded Ram Janmabhoomi agitation, dies

Dalmia, who was one of the three major exponents of the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation, breathed his last at 9.38 a.m at his Golf Link residence in New Delhi.

Dalmia who was one of the three major exponents of the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation breathed his last at 9.38 a.m at his Golf Link residence./ Image: ABP News screengrab

New Delhi: Former President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and one of the prominent industrialists of the country Vishnu Hari Dalmia passed away on Wednesday morning at his residence in New Delhi. He was 95. Dalmia who was one of the three major exponents of the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation breathed his last at 9.38 a.m at his Golf Link residence. His mortal remains will be kept at his residence till 3 pm. Cremation will take place at 4:30 in the evening at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat. Dalmia who got associated with VHP in 1979, went on to be its international president till 2005, after assuming roles of vice president and executive-president in the way. Dalmia had been associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement since the beginning. He was also a trustee of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. He was also the trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and member of VHP's Kendriya Margdarshak Mandal.

Former President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Vishnu Hari Dalmia passes away at the age of 95 LIVE TV: https://t.co/DklVA2kRqn pic.twitter.com/ouuPzoVqOA

— ABP News (@abpnewstv) January 16, 2019

"Vishnu Hari Dalmiaji peacefully moved on to his heavenly abode today morning. His cremation will be held in the evening at at Nigambodh Ghat," the VHP said in a statement. Dalmia was admitted to Apollo Hospital after his health deteriorated due to age-related issues. He was brought back to his residence on January 13 from the hospital, the statement added. Along with veteran VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Giriraj Kishore, Dalmia played a key role in the Ram Janmbhoomi movement. WATCH REPORT