Balbir Punj

On 18th April 2026, former Rajya Sabha MP and senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passed away at the age of 76 after a prolonged illness.

He was a former vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Party and had a longstanding association with the RSS.
Punj began his career in journalism in 1971 with The Motherland and later worked with Financial Express and The Observer of Business and Politics.
He served two terms in the Rajya Sabha (2000-2006 from Uttar Pradesh and 2008-2014 from Odisha).
He was also chairperson of the National Commission for Youth, holding minister of state status.
Known for his policy contributions, he authored Tryst with Ayodhya: Decolonisation of India.
He actively contributed to journalistic bodies, including serving as President of the Delhi Journalists Association.
His career spanned journalism, politics, and public policy, leaving a lasting impact in multiple fields.