Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 5: Satyapal Malik, former governor of Jammu and Kashmir and a seasoned political figure with a career spanning over five decades, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79. His death was confirmed through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Malik had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness at RML Hospital in New Delhi, where he breathed his last. His mortal remains will be taken to his RK Puram residence, with cremation scheduled for tomorrow at the Lodhi crematorium.

A Political Journey Across Parties and States

Born in Baghpat, western Uttar Pradesh, Malik began his political journey in the 1970s as an MLA. His early rise came on a ticket from Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Bharatiya Kranti Dal. In 1980, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Lok Dal, led by Charan Singh.

However, in 1984, he switched allegiance to the Congress, which later returned him to the Rajya Sabha in 1986. Over the decades, Malik moved through various political outfits, carving a path defined by pragmatism and shifting alliances.

Governor and Firebrand Voice

Malik's brief yet impactful tenure as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir ended shortly after the abrogation of Article 370. He also held gubernatorial roles in Goa and Meghalaya.

Not one to shy away from controversy, Malik remained an outspoken critic of the establishment, often at odds with the ruling government. In a widely discussed interview with The Wire, he openly accused the Modi administration of mishandling the 2019 Pulwama attack and alleged high-level corruption.

The Final Chapter

Even in his later years, Malik retained a presence in national discourse, continuing to speak out and visibly aligning himself with the concerns of the Jat and farming communities—a base he appeared keen to engage politically once again.

Satyapal Malik leaves behind a legacy of political adaptability, confrontational candor, and an unwavering voice in an increasingly polarized landscape.