Former Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. He was reportedly undergoing treatment for kidney-related complications in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Malik’s demise. Taking to X, PM Modi said, "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."
Malik had a long and eventful political career spanning over five decades. He held several gubernatorial roles across the country. Most notably, he served as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. During his tenure, the historic abrogation of Article 370 took place on August 5, 2019.
Before his J&K assignment, Malik was appointed Governor of Bihar in 2017 and was later given additional charge of Odisha. He also served as the Governor of Goa and Meghalaya, concluding his last post in October 2022.
Born on July 24, 1946, in Hisawada village of Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, Malik began his political journey as a student leader in 1968. In 1974, he was elected MLA on a Bharatiya Kranti Dal ticket. His parliamentary career included terms in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha — he was elected MP from Aligarh in 1989 on a Janata Dal ticket. Though he contested again in 1996, he did not succeed. In 2012, he was appointed National Vice-President of the BJP.
In later years, Malik made headlines for his outspoken views. In 2023, he publicly criticized the central government, alleging lapses in security arrangements that led to the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 — an incident that claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF jawans. He also voiced strong support for the farmers’ protests against the now-repealed farm laws in 2020.
