New Delhi, August 7: Satyapal Malik, a former governor of Jammu and Kashmir and a controversial figure in Indian politics, died on Tuesday at the age of 79 in Delhi following a prolonged illness, his aides said. He will be cremated on Wednesday at the Lodhi crematorium.
Malik, who held gubernatorial posts in several Indian states, including Bihar, Goa, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 — an event he oversaw as the last governor of the former state before it was split into union territories in August 2019.
Once a trusted leader within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Malik became an outspoken critic of the government in his final years, notably over its handling of the 2020 farm laws and the 2019 Pulwama attack, where he accused the government of serious lapses in security.
His death comes just months after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against him in May, accusing him of accepting bribes in connection with a ₹2,200 crore hydroelectric project contract in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar region. Ironically, the case first surfaced after Malik publicly revealed bribery offers to the governor’s office in 2021. His long-time aide, K.S. Rana, who is a co-accused in the case, said Malik had remained bedridden in Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital since May.
“Many opposition leaders came to see him in hospital but no one from the BJP,” said Rana, who had posted regular updates on Malik’s health via social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on X, formerly Twitter, stating, “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Satyapal Malik Ji. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Born on July 24, 1946, in Hisawda village of Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, Malik began his political career as a Lok Dal candidate and later joined several parties including the Janata Dal, Congress, and finally the BJP in 2004. His six-decade political journey was closely tied to farmers’ movements, a legacy he maintained until his last days.
“He really struggled a lot,” said Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, grandson of former Prime Minister Charan Singh, under whom Malik rose to prominence. “He was personally very affectionate towards me.”
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said he would remember Malik as “a person who, until his last moment, fearlessly spoke the truth and advocated for the interests of the people.”
During his tenure as J&K governor, Malik triggered controversy by dissolving the state assembly in 2018, citing the risk of horse-trading. He later claimed the governor’s office had not received a crucial fax due to a malfunction, a justification that was widely ridiculed. He also faced criticism for prematurely announcing the winner of the Srinagar mayoral polls and for his dismissive remarks on the detention of Kashmiri leaders after the abrogation of Article 370.
Malik’s final days were marked by legal troubles, political isolation from the BJP, and continued support from Opposition leaders. His death marks the end of a complex and often contentious political career.
