Satya Pal Malik Biography
Satya Pal Malik (born 24 July 1946 – died 5 August 2025, aged 79) was a veteran Indian politician who began his political career in 1974 as an MLA from Baghpat on a Bharatiya Kranti Dal ticket.
He served in the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1989, and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1989, becoming the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism under V. P. Singh.
Malik later joined the BJP in 2004, where he held key party roles.
He was appointed the Governor of Bihar in September 2017, held additional charge of Odisha in March 2018, became the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2018, notably overseeing the abrogation of Article 370 and the state’s reorganization in August 2019, and later served as the Governor of Goa from November 2019 to August 2020 and of Meghalaya from August 2020 to October 2022.
Known for his outspoken views, particularly on the Pulwama attack and farmers’ protests, Malik was also involved in a CBI chargesheet controversy in his later years.
He passed away in New Delhi after a prolonged illness.
Satyapal Malik Wikipedia
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Satya Pal Malik. |
| Date of Birth | 24 July 1946. |
| Place of Birth | Hisawada, Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, India. |
| Date of Death | 5 August 2025 (aged 79). |
| Education | B.Sc. and LL.B., Meerut University. |
| Political Affiliations | Bharatiya Kranti Dal → Lok Dal → Congress → Janata Dal → BJP. |
| Legislative Career | MLA (Baghpat, 1974–77), Rajya Sabha MP (UP, 1980–89), Lok Sabha MP (Aligarh, 1989–91). |
| Governorships Held | Bihar (30 Sep 2017–21 Aug 2018); Odisha (Add. charge, Mar–May 2018); Jammu & Kashmir (23 Aug 2018–30 Oct 2019); Goa (3 Nov 2019–18 Aug 2020); Meghalaya (18 Aug 2020–3 Oct 2022). |
| Key Moment | Oversaw the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019 while Governor of J&K. |
| Notable Views | Criticized Pulwama attack response; strongly supported farmers’ protests; warned, “You cannot defeat the Jats.”. |
| Wife | Iqbal Malik, married on 14 December 1970. |
| Children | Not publicly documented. |
| Physical Stats | Height: ~170 cm; Weight: ~95 kg; Eye: light brown; Hair: grey. |
| Estimated Net Worth (2004) | ₹76 lakh, including deposits, land, property, jewellery. |
| Early Influences | Inspired by socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, student activists in the late 1960s attended the 1968 World Youth Festival in Bulgaria. |
Satya Pal Malik Early Life & Education
Satya Pal Malik was born on 24 July 1946 in Hisawada village, located in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, into a Jat family known for its agrarian background and social activism.
He pursued his early education in local schools before enrolling at Meerut College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree.
He later earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, also from Meerut University.
During his student years in the 1960s, Malik emerged as a prominent student leader, actively participating in student politics and was elected to various student union positions between 1966 and 1969.
His early exposure to political thought, particularly influenced by socialist ideologies and leaders like Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, laid the foundation for his future political career.
Satya Pal Malik’s Political Career
Satya Pal Malik began his political career in 1974 when he was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Baghpat on the ticket of Bharatiya Kranti Dal, a party led by Chaudhary Charan Singh.
He quickly rose through the ranks and became the general secretary of the Lok Dal.
In 1980, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh, serving two consecutive terms until 1989, first as a member of the Lok Dal, and later aligning with the Indian National Congress.
In 1989, he won a seat in the 9th Lok Sabha from Aligarh as a Janata Dal candidate and was appointed the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism under Prime Minister V. P. Singh.
After a brief political lull, Malik joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004, where he served in key organizational roles, including as the party’s Vice President and in charge of the Kisan Morcha (Farmer’s Wing).
In September 2017, he was appointed the Governor of Bihar, marking the beginning of his gubernatorial journey.
He held an additional charge of Odisha from March to May 2018.
Later in August 2018, he was appointed the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, becoming the last Governor before the state’s special status was revoked with the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
He continued as the first Lieutenant Governor of the newly formed Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir until October 2019.
Following this, he served as the Governor of Goa from November 2019 to August 2020, and then as the Governor of Meghalaya from August 2020 to October 2022.
After demitting office, Malik became increasingly outspoken, especially on matters such as the Pulwama attack, farmer protests, and allegations of corruption.
His candid remarks often drew attention and controversy, especially when he criticized the central government.
Despite facing a CBI chargesheet in connection with the Kiru hydroelectric project, he maintained that the case was politically motivated.
Satya Pal Malik Governorship Posts
Satya Pal Malik held several high-profile gubernatorial positions across India, particularly during the late 2010s and early 2020s.
His tenure as a governor was marked by major political events, most notably in Jammu and Kashmir. Below are the key governorship posts he held:
Governor of Bihar (27th Governor): Tenure: 30 September 2017 – 21 August 2018
He was appointed the Governor of Bihar and served until his transfer to Jammu and Kashmir.
Governor of Odisha (Additional Charge): Tenure: 21 March 2018 – 28 May 2018
While serving as Governor of Bihar, he was given the additional responsibility of Odisha for a brief period.
Governor of Jammu and Kashmir: Tenure: 23 August 2018 – 30 October 2019
Malik played a historic role as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
During his tenure, on 5 August 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370, thereby removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganizing it into two union territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Governor of Goa: Tenure: 3 November 2019 – 18 August 2020
Following his J&K tenure, he was transferred to Goa, where he continued to voice opinions on national issues.
Governor of Meghalaya: Tenure: 18 August 2020 – 3 October 2022
This was his final gubernatorial posting. During this time, he remained vocal on issues such as farmer rights and corruption.
Throughout these roles, Malik was known for not just being an administrator but also a politically outspoken figure, which made him one of the most discussed governors in recent Indian history.
Satya Pal Malik Legacy & Views
Satya Pal Malik leaves behind a complex and impactful legacy marked by political resilience, administrative leadership, and bold public commentary.
Initially emerging from Lohiaite socialist politics, he evolved into a pan-Indian political figure who served in various parties, Bharatiya Kranti Dal, Lok Dal, Janata Dal, Congress, and finally the BJP, demonstrating a deep adaptability across the political spectrum.
His most defining role was as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during the historic revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, an event that changed the constitutional and political landscape of India.
Though occupying a constitutional post, Malik was perceived as playing a crucial role in supporting the central government’s vision for J&K. This solidified his place in contemporary Indian political history.
Post-governorship, Malik became widely known for his outspoken criticism of the central government, particularly on sensitive issues like:
The Pulwama Attack (2019): He controversially alleged that the tragedy could have been prevented, criticizing lapses in government and intelligence coordination.
Farmers’ Protests (2020–2021): Malik stood firmly with protesting farmers, especially from his native Uttar Pradesh and Haryana regions, often criticizing the farm laws and the government’s handling of the agitation.
Corruption Allegations: He openly alleged attempts at corruption during his tenure as J&K Governor (e.g., the Kiru Hydroelectric Project), and later faced a CBI chargesheet, which he claimed was politically motivated to silence him.
Malik was often referred to as a “conscience keeper in a constitutional post,” unafraid to speak his mind, even if it meant going against the establishment. His post-retirement interviews and speeches attracted both praise and criticism but firmly established him as a rare voice of dissent from within the system.
In the eyes of many, Satya Pal Malik’s legacy is one of courage, contradiction, and consequence, a politician who was part of the system yet dared to challenge it publicly when his conscience demanded.
Satya Pal Malik’s Death
Satya Pal Malik passed away on 5 August 2025 at 1:12 pm IST at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, following a prolonged and complex illness.
He was 79 years old at the time of his death, which was officially confirmed via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Satya Pal Malik’s Cause of Death and Medical History
Initial hospitalization: Admitted on 11 May 2025 with a complicated urinary tract infection.
Underlying health conditions: Malik had a longstanding history of diabetic kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, morbid obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Medical complications: He developed refractory septic shock, hospital‑acquired pneumonia, multi‑organ dysfunction, acute kidney injury requiring multiple hemodialysis sessions, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Despite intensive care and ventilatory support, his condition deteriorated irreversibly.
Satya Pal Malik Legacy at the Time of Passing
At age 79, Satya Pal Malik was remembered as a seasoned political figure who held prominent roles, including as the last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir during the abrogation of Article 370.
His death marked the culmination of a five-decade-long career spanning various political parties and constitutional offices.
Satya Pal Malik Net Worth
Recent financial commentary estimates his net worth in 2025 at around ₹1 crore, with liabilities of ₹4 lakh.
Satya Pal Malik Facts
1. Only Governor to Speak Out on Pulwama Attack: Malik made headlines by openly criticizing the government for lapses that led to the 2019 Pulwama attack, claiming that it could have been avoided.
2. Longest-serving BJP Leader in Rajya Sabha: He served as a Rajya Sabha member for 17 years, making him one of the longest-serving BJP members in the Upper House.
3. Switched Political Parties: Throughout his career, Malik was associated with multiple political parties, including Bharatiya Kranti Dal, Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, Lok Dal, and eventually the BJP.
4. Outspoken Nature: Malik was known for his blunt statements and outspokenness, especially in his later years as Governor of various states.
5. Advocate of Farmers’ Rights: After his governorship, Malik vocally supported farmers’ protests and criticized farm laws, aligning himself with rural communities despite his BJP background.
6. Opposed the Use of Force in J&K: While Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, he reportedly opposed excessive use of force and advocated more humane governance.
7. Authored Books and Essays: Malik also dabbled in writing, publishing poetry and essays during his political career.
8. Academic Background: He had degrees in science and law, and was also considered a student leader in his early political journey.
9. Highly Transferred Governor: He served as Governor of 5 states/territories in just about 5 years – a rare feat in Indian politics.
10. Active Till Death: Malik remained politically active and outspoken even shortly before his death in June 2024.
FAQs
1: Who Was Satya Pal Malik?
Satya Pal Malik was a prominent Indian politician known for his service as Governor of multiple Indian states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Goa, Meghalaya, and Bihar. Born on 24 July 1946, he began his political journey with the Bharatiya Kranti Dal and went on to serve in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Over the decades, Malik gained recognition for his outspoken views and bold criticism of certain government policies, particularly during and after his tenure as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. He passed away on 24 June 2025 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of political activism, governance, and fearless commentary on national issues.
2: When and where was Satyapal Malik born?
He was born on 24 July 1946 in Hisawada, Baghpat district, United Provinces, British India (now Uttar Pradesh, India).
3: What was Satyapal Malik’s age at the time of his death?
He died on 23 June 2025 at the age of 78.
4: What was his educational qualification?
He held a B.Sc., an LLB, and a Diploma in Parliamentary Affairs from Meerut College and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Institute of Political Studies.
5: What political parties did Satyapal Malik belong to during his career?
Over his career, he was associated with Bharatiya Kranti Dal, Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, Indian National Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
6: What positions of governance did he hold?
He served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Goa, Meghalaya, and Bihar. He was also a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
7: Was Satyapal Malik involved in any controversies?
Yes. He was outspoken on issues like the Pulwama attack, corruption in the Modi government, and farmers’ protests, often attracting both praise and criticism.
8: What legacy did he leave behind?
He is remembered for being a fearless and outspoken administrator, especially during the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and for supporting farmers during their protests against farm laws.
9: What was his stance on the Pulwama attack?
He claimed the Pulwama attack could have been avoided and blamed lapses by the Home Ministry and national security infrastructure, sparking national debate.
10: What awards or honors did he receive?
While he did not receive major civilian awards, he was often honored by farmers’ unions and civil rights organizations for his advocacy and honesty.
11: Did Satyapal Malik have any official social media handles?
No verified official social media accounts were found linked to him.
In Conclusion
Satyapal Malik was a seasoned and fearless Indian politician who played significant roles across various states as Governor, leaving a mark on Indian politics with his bold stands and outspoken nature.
His political journey, spanning over five decades, reflected a commitment to public service, integrity, and national interest.
Even after his official roles ended, he remained a vocal critic on pressing national issues, especially regarding farmers’ rights and Kashmir.
His legacy endures as that of a principled leader who wasn’t afraid to speak truth to power.
