“I live in a one-room flat, am getting treatment in a government hospital and am in debt
These words were not of a common man, but of Satyapal Malik, the former governor of India – a leader who did not break his ties with the ground even after reaching the pinnacle of power.
On 5 August 2025, Satyapal Malik died at the age of 79. His departure brought a deep silence not only to Indian politics, but also to the voice that fearlessly questioned the mistakes of power. But his life is not just a story of posts and statements, but an example of honesty, struggle and principles.
Farmer’s son became a leader
Satyapal Malik was born in 1946 in a simple Jat farmer family in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. Since childhood, he had the spirit of self-respect and fighting for justice. After graduating from Meerut College, he started his political journey.
He became an MLA for the first time in the 70s and was an MP several times after that. He joined many parties like Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, Janata Dal and Lok Dal, but every time he did not compromise on his frankness and truth.
Farmer’s thinking on the Governor’s chair
From 2017 to 2022, he was the Governor of Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Goa and Meghalaya. But in 2019, when he became the last Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370 was removed, he came into national discussion. This was the biggest constitutional change in the history of India, and its responsibility was on his shoulders.
But what happened after this sets him apart from other governors.
Governor who clashed with the power
After leaving the post, Satyapal Malik made one revelation after another, which raised questions on the policies of the government. He said that the Pulwama attack could have been prevented if the demands of the security forces were accepted in time. He described this attack as a “government failure”.
After this, he openly opposed the agricultural laws and supported the farmers’ movement. When most of the governors of the country were silent, he was speaking from the farmers’ platform – openly, fearlessly.
Honest but poor?
Political leaders are often discussed for their assets – bungalows, cars, foreign trips. But in the case of Satyapal Malik, the story was the opposite.
When he filed his election affidavit in 2004, his total assets were ₹76.89 lakh – mostly agricultural land and some savings.
In 2025, media reports put his assets at ₹35 crore, but Malik himself said:
“I have neither a bungalow nor a big car. I am getting treatment in a government hospital and I have no money in my pocket.”
Can there be a bigger example of honesty than this?
Why can he become a role model for today’s youth?
Today, when corruption, selfishness and power games dominate politics, leaders like Satyapal Malik remind us that politics can also be a service.
He had the courage to fight, but more than that, he had the courage to speak the truth.
He neither became a slave of any party, nor greedy for posts.
He was sometimes a supporter of the government, sometimes its bitter critic – but always with the public.
Last farewell, but immortal thoughts
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to opposition leaders, everyone paid tribute to him on his death. But the real tribute will be when we keep his thoughts alive:
- Questioning the government is patriotism.
- Farmers are the backbone of the country, not a burden
- Honesty is not a post, it is a way of life.
