Why This is Trending
Satyapal Malik, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, passed away on August 5, 2025, sparking widespread discussion due to his outspoken criticism of the BJP government. His recent interviews, corruption allegations, and support for farmers’ protests have kept him in the spotlight, amplified by viral posts on X mourning and debating his legacy.
Summary: Satyapal Malik’s death, corruption charges, and bold critiques of the Modi government fuel trending discussions, blending admiration and controversy.
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| Satyapal Malik: Controversies, Corruption Charges, and a Political Legacy in Focus READ MORE: Knowledge Realty Trust IPO READ MORE: Paranthu Po Trending: Why This Tamil Film Recent DevelopmentsOn August 5, 2025, Satyapal Malik passed away at RML Hospital in New Delhi, where he was admitted for a urinary infection and sepsis. The news triggered an outpouring of tributes and debates on X, with some praising his principled stance and others questioning his credibility due to shifting statements. In May 2025, the CBI filed a chargesheet against Malik and six others in a corruption case linked to the Rs 2,200-crore Kiru Hydropower project, intensifying scrutiny of his tenure as J&K Governor from August 2018 to October 2019. Political Journey of Satyapal MalikBorn on July 24, 1946, in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Satyapal Malik’s political career spanned decades, beginning as a student leader at Meerut College, where he earned a BSc and LLB. He served as a Uttar Pradesh MLA (1974–77), Rajya Sabha member (1980–89), and Lok Sabha MP from Aligarh (1989–91) with Janata Dal. Malik held governorships in Bihar (2017–18), Odisha (additional charge, 2018), Jammu and Kashmir (2018–19), Goa (2019–20), and Meghalaya (2020–22). His tenure in J&K coincided with the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, a decision he later claimed he was unaware of until the eve of its announcement. Malik’s outspoken nature, evident in his support for farmers during the 2020–21 protests, marked him as a polarizing figure. His Jat roots and advocacy for farmers earned him support from khaps and farmer unions in Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Controversies Surrounding Pulwama and CorruptionMalik’s allegations about the 2019 Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF personnel were killed, stirred significant controversy. In interviews with The Wire and others, he claimed intelligence failures and the Home Ministry’s refusal to provide aircraft for CRPF troop movement contributed to the attack. He alleged Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him to “keep quiet” about these lapses, a claim that sparked political uproar. The BJP dismissed these as “irresponsible,” with Amit Malviya highlighting Malik’s contradictory statements, including an admission of fabricating a conversation with Amit Shah. Additionally, Malik faced CBI scrutiny over alleged corruption in the Kiru Hydropower project and an insurance scam involving Reliance General Insurance. In October 2021, he claimed he was offered Rs 300 crore in bribes to clear two files, including one linked to “Ambani.” These allegations led to CBI raids and a chargesheet in May 2025, though Malik maintained his innocence, stating he lived modestly and was burdened by debt. Support for Farmers and Social CausesMalik’s vocal support for the 2020–21 farmers’ protests against the now-repealed farm laws won him admiration among agrarian communities. At the Global Jat Summit in November 2021, he warned the government against underestimating farmers, particularly Sikhs and Jats, citing historical resilience. His remarks, used in Sidhu Moose Wala’s song SYL, amplified his influence. Malik also backed wrestlers protesting against BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in 2023, reinforcing his image as a defender of public causes. His critiques of Modi and Shah, including calling the PM “arrogant” and alleging corruption tolerance, positioned him as a critic of the BJP, despite his earlier praise for Modi as the “best Prime Minister” in 2018. This shift fueled accusations of political opportunism. Legacy and Public PerceptionMalik’s death has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters on X hailed him as a fearless voice who sacrificed his governorship for principles, particularly for exposing Pulwama lapses. Critics, however, point to his inconsistent statements and corruption charges, with some labeling him a “disgraced Governor.” His book on Kashmir, reportedly hidden due to fears of CBI raids, remains unpublished, adding intrigue to his legacy. Posts on X reflect this divide, with some mourning his loss and others questioning his motives. Malik’s tenure in J&K saw a reported decline in stone-pelting incidents and militant recruitment, though his dissolution of the J&K assembly in 2018 over a “non-functional fax machine” drew ridicule. His health struggles and modest living conditions in retirement humanized his later years. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Q: What caused Satyapal Malik’s death? Q: What were Satyapal Malik’s allegations about the Pulwama attack? Q: What corruption charges did Satyapal Malik face? Q: Why was Satyapal Malik popular among farmers? ConclusionSatyapal Malik’s death on August 5, 2025, has reignited debates about his legacy as a politician and governor, marked by bold critiques and controversies. His Pulwama allegations, corruption charges, and farmer advocacy continue to polarize opinions. Readers should watch for developments in the CBI probe and the potential release of his unpublished Kashmir book for further insights into his impact. |
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