Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of former Satyapal Malik of Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi wrote on X- ‘I am saddened by the death of Satyapal Malik ji. My condolences are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. ॐ Peace. ‘
Former Governor Satyapal Malik died on Tuesday at the age of 79. He was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi on 11 May. He had been battling kidney disease for a long time and breathed his last at 1 pm on Tuesday.
Farmer movement and distance from government
Satyapal Malik openly supported the farmers when the Modi government implemented three controversial agricultural laws. He was one of the few big leaders who speak in favor of the ongoing peasant movement across the country. During this time, relations between him and the central government started deteriorating. Apart from this, in 2023, when women wrestlers staged a sit -in against BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, Satyapal Malik reached the protest site in support of him and said that he would help the wrestlers at the individual level.
Saddened by the passing Away of Shri Satyapal Malik Ji. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2025
CBI charge sheet and corruption accused
In May 2024, CBI filed a charge sheet against Satyapal Malik in the alleged corruption case of Rs 2200 crore. The case is related to the civil works of Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project, which is located in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. He was accused of irregularity and corruption in giving contracts, due to which his name once again came into the limelight.
Chaudhary Charan Singh inspired ideology
Satyapal Malik changed many parties in his long political career- Congress, Janata Dal, Lok Dal and eventually BJP. But his identity always remained a Jat leader and farmer friendly face. He considered himself associated with Lohiawadi ideology and considered Chaudhary Charan Singh as his political guru. His clear opinion on the rights of farmers and the issues of rural India was always in discussion.