Satyapal Malik: Veteran Politician and Former Governor Passes Away at 79
Satyapal Malik, the former Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Bihar, has passed away at 79 after a prolonged illness. He died on 5 August 2025 at New Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital at roughly 1:10 pm DD NewsIndia TodayThe New Indian Express.
Medical Timeline & Final Days
Admitted on 11 May 2025 with a complicated urinary tract infection and chest infection, Malik’s condition progressively worsened over nearly three months in ICU care The Economic Times5The Economic Times5The Economic Times5. Despite aggressive treatment—including ventilator support, hemodialysis, CytoSorb sessions, and multiple antibiotics—his health declined due to complications: multi-organ dysfunction, hospital-acquired pneumonia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and acute kidney injury on chronic kidney disease The Indian Express2The New Indian Express2.
Political Career Spanning Five Decades
Born in 1946 in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Malik began his political journey in the early 1970s with Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Bharatiya Kranti Dal. He was first elected as an MLA from Baghpat (1974), later served in the Rajya Sabha (1980‑89), and was elected to the Lok Sabha (1989‑91) on a Janata Dal ticket from Aligarh DD News5en.wikipedia.org5The New Indian Express5.
Over time, Malik’s political affiliation shifted through Congress, Lok Dal, Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, and finally the BJP. He held key positions such as Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism under V. P. Singh in 1990, and national vice-president of the BJP in 2012 en.wikipedia.orgIndia TodayThe New Indian Express.
Governorship & Crucial Legacy
Satyapal Malik was appointed Governor of Bihar (Sept 2017 – Aug 2018), briefly held additional charge of Odisha in early 2018, and then served as the last Governor of undivided Jammu & Kashmir (Aug 2018 – Oct 2019). His tenure aligned with the historic abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories on 5 August 2019 en.wikipedia.orgIndia Todayeconomictimes.indiatimes.com.
Subsequently, he served as Governor of Goa (Nov 2019 – Aug 2020), followed by a term as Governor of Meghalaya (Aug 2020 – Oct 2022)—after which he retired from public office India Today.
Courageous Voice & Controversies
Known for his forthright statements, Malik became known for speaking out on sensitive national issues. He strongly supported farmers’ protests, and later made bold allegations regarding the Pulwama terror attack, openly questioning Prime Minister Modi’s government and intelligence lapses deccanchronicle.com2The New Indian Express2. His willingness to speak candidly earned praise from political figures like Mamata Banerjee, who described him as a rare leader with the courage to voice truths few dared to deccanchronicle.com.
In May 2025, Malik was chargesheeted by the CBI in connection with alleged irregularities in the ₹2,200-crore Kiru Hydropower Project contract awarded during his J&K tenure. Hours later, he posted from hospital that his health was “very bad” after the chargesheet was filed The Economic Times2The New Indian Express2.
Video Tribute
Tributes & Condolences
Political leaders across party lines expressed condolences:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Satyapal Malik Ji… my thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti” The Economic Times1Live Hindustan14pmindia.gov.in14The Economic Times14.
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge remembered him as a leader supportive of farmer causes.
- Mamata Banerjee called him a voice of truth and courage, particularly in supporting farmers and raising uncomfortable truths about national security concerns timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
- Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath called the loss “extremely sad” and offered prayers for the family’s strength, along with tributes from BSP’s Mayawati and SP’s Akhilesh Yadav, all highlighting Malik’s principled public life and fearless voice for justice The Times of India.
Legacy & Final Reflections
Satyapal Malik’s political life spanned over five decades—with roles as legislator, parliamentarian, minister, and governor across five states. His time in Jammu & Kashmir during a pivotal period in India’s constitutional history marks his most consequential legacy en.wikipedia.orgeconomictimes.indiatimes.com.
Controversies shadowed his later years, including the CBI investigation, yet his outspoken leadership and loyalty to socialist ideals defined his image as an independent-minded politician unafraid to stand up for agrarian voices and political transparency.
Malik is survived by family and a legacy of controversial yet principled public life. His body is scheduled for cremation at Lodhi crematorium in Delhi following rituals at his residence in RK Puram The Indian Express.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Satyapal Malik |
| Date of Death | 5 August 2025, ~1:10 PM |
| Place of Death | Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi |
| Age at Death | 79 |
| Major Posts Held | Governor of J&K, Goa, Meghalaya, Bihar; Union Minister; MP |
| Key Events | Abrogation of Article 370, CBI chargesheet, outspoken criticism |
| Health Issues | Kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, pneumonia, multi-organ dysfunction |
| Reactions | PM condolences, tributes from opposition figures |
Death and Cremation Details
Satyapal Malik died at approximately 1:12 pm on Tuesday in Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after battling kidney-related ailments, as confirmed via his official X account Maharashtra Times12The New Indian Express12www.ndtv.com12. His condition had reportedly declined over several weeks. The official announcement was shared on social media, after which funeral arrangements were swiftly made InstagramThe Indian Express.
His cremation took place the following day in Delhi with close family members present. The ceremony was reportedly conducted with standard protocols, and modest attendees remaining due to the ongoing protocols for high-profile funerals Instagram.
