Satya Pal Malik, a veteran politician who served as the 10th and last Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on August 5 (Tuesday) at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. His demise marks the end of a significant political career that spanned over five decades and saw him hold gubernatorial positions in multiple Indian states.
Malik breathed his last at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment since May. Hospital sources indicated he was battling a severe urinary tract infection and complications arising from kidney failure.
His tenure as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, from August 2018 to October 2019, coincided with the historic abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. This significant constitutional change led to the reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories, a decision that occurred under his watch. The coincidence of his passing on the sixth anniversary of this event was noted by political observers.
Beyond Jammu and Kashmir, Malik also served as Governor of Bihar (2017), Odisha (additional charge in 2018), Goa (2019), and Meghalaya (2020). Throughout his distinguished career, he was known for his outspoken nature and willingness to comment on various national issues.
His political journey began as a student leader in the mid-1960s, and he later served as an MLA in Uttar Pradesh, a Member of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, and briefly as a Union Minister of State. In his later years, he became a notable critic of certain government policies.
