New Delhi, August 5, 2025 – Former Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, a seasoned politician and outspoken public figure, has passed away at the age of 79. He died at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital following complications from a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Table of Contents Satya Pal Malik
🧭 Satya Pal Malik From Village Roots to National Politics
Born on July 24, 1946, in Hisawada village of Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, Malik’s political journey was anything but ordinary. Starting from the Bharatiya Kranti Dal, founded by Charan Singh, he went on to wear many political hats—including those of Janata Dal, Congress, and finally the BJP.
He served as an MP from Aligarh (1989–91) and had two stints in the Rajya Sabha in the 1980s. In 2012, he officially joined the BJP and by 2014, rose to become the party’s National Vice-President, a rare honour for someone not entirely seen as a party insider.
🏛️ The Governor Who Witnessed Historic Change
Satya Pal Malik role as a governor took him across India. Here’s a quick look at his gubernatorial journey:
- Bihar Governor (2017–18)
- Odisha (additional charge) (Mar–May 2018)
- Jammu & Kashmir Governor (2018–2019)
- Goa Governor (2019–2020)
- Meghalaya Governor (2020–2022)
But it was during his time in Jammu & Kashmir that Malik found himself at the centre of one of modern India’s biggest constitutional changes. On August 5, 2019, exactly six years before his death, Article 370 was scrapped, ending J&K’s special status. Malik was the last governor of J&K before it was officially turned into two Union Territories.
⚠️ Always Unfiltered: Malik vs the Establishment
Malik didn’t fade away after his tenure. Instead, he became one of the loudest voices of dissent from within the establishment. He openly criticised the BJP-led central government, raised questions about the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, and flagged alleged corruption in top offices.
Recently, he was in the news for being named in a CBI chargesheet in a ₹2,200 crore hydro project scam in J&K. Malik, however, strongly denied the allegations and claimed he had himself cancelled the tender and alerted the Prime Minister about the issue.
🏥 A Fight Against Time and Illness
Malik’s health had been deteriorating for months. On May 22, 2025, he publicly revealed that both his kidneys had failed due to a long-standing urinary infection. He required regular dialysis and was admitted to RML Hospital on May 11.
Despite intensive care, his condition worsened. At 1:10 PM on August 5, the former governor passed away due to multi-organ failure.
🌟 A Legacy of Bold Decisions and Bolder Words
Condolences came flooding in from across the political spectrum. Many remembered Malik not just as a former governor or MP, but as someone who never hesitated to challenge the powerful—even if it meant standing alone.
He was remembered as a true disciple of Ram Manohar Lohia, a voice for farmers, a critic of corruption, and an unlikely rebel within the system.
📌 Key Moments in Satya Pal Malik’s Life
| Year(s) | Role / Event |
|---|---|
| 1946 | Born in Hisawada, Baghpat (UP) |
| 1974–77 | MLA from Baghpat (UP) |
| 1980–86, 1986–89 | Member of Rajya Sabha (UP) |
| 1989–91 | MP from Aligarh (Lok Sabha) |
| 2017–18 | Governor of Bihar |
| Mar–May 2018 | Additional Charge: Governor of Odisha |
| Aug 2018–Oct 2019 | Governor of J&K (during Article 370 revocation) |
| Nov 2019–Aug 2020 | Governor of Goa |
| Aug 2020–Oct 2022 | Governor of Meghalaya |
🔚 The End of an Era
Satya Pal Malik was never just a politician; he was a disruptor, a guardian of the Constitution, and a man who refused to stay silent. His death on August 5, 2025, symbolically on the anniversary of the Article 370 revocation, closes a chapter in Indian politics marked by both historic change and relentless questioning of power.
As India mourns, it also reflects—on the legacy of a man who rose from rural roots, occupied the highest state offices, and chose to speak his truth, no matter the consequences.
News News Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel
Your daily updates all in one place
Owner & Author – Jammu Deals Automobile enthusiast and founder of Jammu Deals. Sharing trusted updates, tips, and insights on cars, bikes, and the latest in the auto world.