‘Fearless politics, simplicity in public life’: Tributes pour in for former J&K Guv Satyapal Malik

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Satyapal Malik in a post on X: “Saddened by the passing away of Shri Satyapal Malik Ji. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this hour of grief”.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also said that he was “deeply saddened” to hear the news. “I will always remember him as a person who, until his last moment, fearlessly spoke the truth and advocated for the interests of the people,” he said.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann remembered how Malik “always gave priority to the issues of farmers and the general public and fearlessly raised the voice of truth”.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal condoled Malik’s demise, saying that the country had lost a “courageous leader who fearlessly spoke the truth, even when confronted by power”. The former Delhi CM said that Malik was “not only an experienced politician but also one of the rare leaders who fearlessly voiced their opinions on issues concerning the nation’s welfare”.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the demise of the “farmer-friendly” leader is extremely saddening. “He continued to fearlessly and boldly hold a mirror of truth to those in power,” Kharge said in a post on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was saddened by the demise of Malik, who “became famous in Indian politics by uttering some truths, which few dare to do”. “Satya Pal ji spoke bravely in support of Indian farmers’ protests and in support of some unpleasant truth involved in the Pulwama attack. Such courage deserves our salute, and I offer that salute again, today,” she said in a post on X.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called Malik’s death “an irreparable loss to the field of politics”. “Malik also served as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Goa and Meghalaya. He discharged all his responsibilities well. His death is an irreparable loss to the field of politics,” said the JD(U) supremo.

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana Dushyant Chautala called Malik’s demise “extremely sad”. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “The news of the demise of former Governor and senior public leader Shri Satyapal Malik ji is extremely sad. He always spoke fearlessly about public interest. Jannayak Janata Party pays its respectful tribute to his fearless politics, farmer friendly thinking and simplicity in public life. May God grant peace to the departed soul,” he wrote.

Congress MPs Deepender Hooda and Imran Masood too condoled Malik’s death.

Senior Congress leader and leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa too expressed grief over Malik’s death.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Satyapal Malik Ji, former Governor and a seasoned public servant. His contributions to Indian politics and governance will always be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” Bajwa in a post on X.

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