Ex-Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and seasoned political leader Satyapal Malik dies at 79, leaving behind a legacy of bold statements and key roles in Indian politics.
Satyapal Malik, the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and a veteran Indian politician, passed away at the age of 79 on Monday. He breathed his last in Delhi after prolonged illness, family sources confirmed.
He had been suffering from kidney-related ailments and was under treatment at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital at the time of his passing.
A Look at His Political Journey
A Jat leader from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Malik began his political journey as a student leader. He was elected MLA from Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Bharatiya Kranti Dal in 1974 and served as a Rajya Sabha MP. Over time, he switched across multiple parties — Janata Dal, Congress, Lok Dal, and Samajwadi Party — before aligning with the BJP.
- Malik served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019.
- He oversaw the state during its historic bifurcation into Union Territories in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370.
- He later held gubernatorial posts in Goa and Meghalaya.
- A leader with roots in the Janata Dal and later the BJP, Malik was known for his outspoken nature and controversial remarks in his later years
Known for Speaking His Mind
Satyapal Malik remained in the headlines post-retirement for his candid criticism of central policies, including farm laws and certain administrative decisions. He was vocal about issues concerning farmers and national security, often drawing media attention.
His outspoken support for the farmers’ protests against the now-repealed farm laws in 2020-21 strained his ties with the BJP. In 2023, he stirred controversy by alleging lapses in the Pulwama terror attack response, claiming the CRPF’s request for aircraft had been denied and he was told to remain silent. The BJP responded with clips of Malik praising the government, questioning his credibility.
Tributes Pour In
Politicians across party lines paid tribute to the former governor, remembering him as a bold and principled voice in Indian politics. Messages poured in on social media from former colleagues and political leaders.
Legacy and Contributions
- A Parliamentarian, Governor, and writer, Malik’s career spanned decades of service.
- He played pivotal roles during political transitions in J&K and was seen as a bridge between administration and public sentiment.
- He drew closer to the Opposition in his final years, even participating in a public interview with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in 2023. Rahul Gandhi also visited him in hospital in May 2025.
Final Rites and Condolences
His final rites will be held in his native village in Uttar Pradesh. The family has requested privacy while thanking supporters for their prayers and condolences.
