Satyapal Malik is an Indian politician who has held several prominent positions throughout his career, most notably serving as the Governor of multiple Indian states. Born in Hisawada, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Malik’s political journey began with socialist leanings and evolved over time.
He started his career as a student leader and was actively involved in student politics during his university days. He was a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1977. He later served as a Member of Parliament, representing Uttar Pradesh in both the Rajya Sabha (1980-1986) and the Lok Sabha (1989-1991).
Malik’s political affiliations have shifted throughout his career. He was associated with parties like the Charan Singh’s Bharatiya Lok Dal and later joined the Indian National Congress. He then moved to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he held various positions within the party organization.
His career took a significant turn when he was appointed as the Governor of Bihar in 2017. He then served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir from August 2018 to October 2019, a period marked by significant political changes. During his tenure in Jammu and Kashmir, the central government abrogated Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to the region, and reorganized the state into two Union Territories. Malik played a crucial role in managing the administrative and security challenges during this transition.
Following his stint in Jammu and Kashmir, Malik was appointed as the Governor of Goa in October 2019. He served in this role until August 2020, when he was appointed as the Governor of Meghalaya. He held the governorship of Meghalaya until October 2022. His tenure as governor has been notable for his outspokenness and occasional criticism of government policies, which is somewhat unusual for a figure holding such a constitutional position. He has voiced concerns about issues ranging from farmers’ protests to corruption.
More recently, Malik has gained attention for his controversial statements regarding the Pulwama attack in 2019. He has publicly claimed that there were security lapses that contributed to the attack and has alleged that his concerns were not adequately addressed by higher authorities. These statements have triggered significant political debate and investigations, putting him at the center of considerable media attention.
Satyapal Malik remains a significant figure in Indian politics. His long and varied career, marked by shifts in political affiliations and high-profile gubernatorial roles, has made him a well-known and often controversial figure. His outspokenness and willingness to challenge established narratives have ensured that he remains a relevant voice in the Indian political landscape.