A fearless Critic of Indian political system, Satyapal Malik, passed away on August 5, at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after a prolonged illness. Malik had served as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Goa, Bihar, and Meghalaya. The 78-year-old veteran politician, known for his unapologetic and outspoken stance against systemic failures, succumbed to complications from kidney issues and sepsis, as confirmed by sources close to him. His death marks the end of a tumultuous political career defined by controversial remarks, bold statements, unwavering criticism of the establishment, and a reputation for stirring controversies that often placed him at odds with the central government. Malik’s journey from a grassroots politician in Uttar Pradesh to a prominent governor was marked by his fierce commitment to speaking what he believed was the truth, even when it invited scrutiny and backlash.
A Political Career Rooted in Conviction
Born on July 24, 1946, in Hisawada village, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Satyapal Malik rose through the ranks of Indian politics with a blend of grit and principle. A Jat by community, he began his career as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1977. He later represented Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1986 and again from 1986 to 1989, aligning with the Janata Dal. Malik’s tenure as a Member of Parliament for Aligarh in the 9th Lok Sabha (1989–1991) further solidified his reputation as a politician unafraid to challenge the status quo. His gubernatorial roles, starting with Bihar in 2017, followed by Jammu and Kashmir (2018–2019), Goa, and Meghalaya until October 2022, placed him in positions of significant influence. It was during these tenures, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, that Malik’s outspoken nature came to the forefront, often leading to public confrontations with the central government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Controversial Remarks on the Pulwama Attack
Malik’s most explosive controversy emerged in April 2023 during an interview with The Wire, where he made serious allegations about the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans. As the then-Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Malik claimed the attack was a result of “incompetence” and “negligence” by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Home Ministry, then led by Rajnath Singh. He alleged that the CRPF’s request for aircraft to transport jawans was denied, forcing them to travel by road, a decision that contributed to the tragedy. Malik further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval instructed him to remain silent on these lapses, with the government allegedly intending to shift blame to Pakistan. These remarks sparked a political firestorm, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the Modi government, while the BJP, led by figures like Amit Malviya, countered by questioning Malik’s credibility, citing his earlier praise for Modi as the “best Prime Minister” in 2018. Malviya shared video clips highlighting Malik’s alleged inconsistencies, including an admission of fabricating a conversation with Home Minister Amit Shah, further intensifying the debate over his statements.
Clashing with the Centre and Facing CBI Scrutiny
Malik’s tenure as governor was marked by repeated clashes with the central government. His criticism extended beyond Pulwama to the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which he argued caused more distress due to the loss of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood than the revocation itself. In a 2023 interaction with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Malik emphasized the need to restore statehood and hold elections to address rising insurgency. His vocal support for the farmers’ protests and comments on the Sikh community’s patience, quoted in the controversial song SYL by Sidhu Moose Wala, further cemented his image as a critic of the BJP-led government. In 2025, Malik faced legal repercussions when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against him and six others in the Rs 2,200-crore Kiru Hydropower Project corruption case. Malik, hospitalized at the time, maintained his innocence, claiming he had canceled the tender in question and informed the Prime Minister about the corruption, only to face what he called a “false chargesheet” aimed at silencing him. On social media, he reiterated his commitment to truth, stating, “Whether I live or not, I want to tell the truth to my countrymen,” reflecting his defiance even in poor health.
Satyapal Malik’s death closes a chapter on a political career defined by fearless opinion and unrelenting criticism of systemic shortcomings. His allegations, particularly regarding the Pulwama attack and corruption in high-profile projects, stirred national debates and drew sharp rebuke from the ruling party, which labeled him a “disgraced governor” with questionable credibility. Yet, for his supporters, Malik was a rare voice in Indian politics—one who prioritized truth over political allegiance, even at personal cost. His final days, marked by serious illness and legal battles, underscored his resolve to speak out, as evidenced by his poignant social media posts from the hospital. While his controversial statements, especially on Pulwama and the Kiru project, continue to polarize opinion, Malik’s legacy as a politician who never shied away from challenging the system remains undeniable. His passing leaves behind a complex narrative of courage, contradiction, and unrelenting conviction.
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