Former Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik passed away at the age of 79 on August 5, 2025, after a long illness. Read about his political journey, controversies, and legacy.
Former J&K Governor Satyapal Malik Death | A Look at His Life & Legacy
On August 5, 2025, Satyapal Malik, the veteran politician who served as the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir during a transformative period, passed away at the age of 79. Hospital authorities confirmed he died at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi at around 1:10–1:12 pm after battling a long-term illness.
His Role in Abrogation of Article 370
Satyapal Malik served as the last Governor of the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019. During his tenure, the central government revoked Article 370, removing J&K’s special status on August 5, 2019, and reorganised it into two Union Territories. That decision marked a historic shift in Indian politics, and Malik’s role made him a key figure in modern J&K history.
A Political Journey Over Five Decades
Satyapal Malik’s political life spanned multiple parties and positions:
Entered politics in 1974, elected MLA from Baghpat under Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Bharatiya Kranti Dal.
Served twice in the Rajya Sabha, then was elected as Lok Sabha MP from Aligarh in 1989, during the Janata Dal era.
Held the position of Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism under V. P. Singh government.
Joined BJP in 2004, became its national Vice‑President in 2012, contested Lok Sabha elections multiple times.
He then served as Governor of Bihar (2017), Jammu & Kashmir (2018–2019), Goa (2019–2020) and Meghalaya (2020–2022).
Illness and Final Days
Satyapal Malik had a long history of diabetic kidney disease, hypertension, morbid obesity, and sleep apnea. He was admitted to the hospital on May 11, 2025 with a complicated urinary tract infection and later developed pneumonia, septic shock, and multi‑organ failure. He required multiple rounds of dialysis and critical care before passing away on August 5, 2025, around 1:12 pm.
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Public Reaction & Tributes
Top leaders across parties reacted with grief:
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath called his death “extremely sad” and offered condolences.
Mayawati (BSP chief) and Akhilesh Yadav (SP chief) praised Malik’s fearless stand and dedication to truth and justice.
Their messages highlight how his outspoken views and leadership made him a respected figure beyond party lines.
Legacy: Controversy & Courage
Satyapal Malik often made bold accusations:
He accused the Centre of suppressing his warnings regarding the Pulwama terror attack in 2019.
He alleged he faced pressure and bribes during his governorship about large J&K projects, including the Kiru hydropower project, which was being investigated by CBI.
Such controversies, while polarising, added to his image as an independent-minded leader unafraid to raise his voice.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
| Date of Death | August 5, 2025, ~1:10–1:12 pm |
| Age at Death | 79 |
| Place of Death | Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi |
| Key Positions | Governor of J&K, Goa, Meghalaya, Bihar |
| Major Events | Article 370 abrogation, Pulwama controversy, CBI allegations |
| Political Affiliations | Bharatiya Kranti Dal → Congress → Janata Dal → BJP |
FAQs: Satyapal Malik death
Q1: When did Satyapal Malik die?
A: He died on August 5, 2025, around 1:10–1:12 pm at RML Hospital in New Delhi.
Q2: How old was he at the time of his death?
A: He was 79 years old.
Q3: What role did he play in the abrogation of Article 370?
A: As Governor of Jammu & Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019, he presided over the period when Article 370 was revoked on August 5, 2019.
Q4: What illnesses did he suffer from?
A: He had diabetic kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and sleep apnea, and suffered from pneumonia, septic shock and kidney failure during his final hospital stay.
Q5: What was his political background?
A: He began in 1970s Uttar Pradesh politics, served in multiple national parties, was MP in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, served as Union Minister, and eventually joined BJP and held gubernatorial roles in four states.
Final Thoughts: Satyapal Malik death
Satyapal Malik’s passing marks the end of a long and controversial but impactful political journey. From rural UP to governing key Indian states, from bold accusations to central roles in historic decisions, his life reflected a mix of regional roots and national significance.
His death resonates across the political spectrum, and his voice—often loud and always candid—will be remembered for some time in modern India’s story.