Former governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik, has made explosive allegations against the Modi government in a recent interview. He accused the prime minister of being “ill-informed” and “ignorant” about Kashmir and also claimed that Modi has no real problem with corruption.
Pulwama Attack and Lapses by Indian System
Malik revealed that the Pulwama terrorist attack of February 2019 was a result of “incompetence” and “laparvahi” by the Indian system, specifically the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the home ministry. He accused the Union home ministry, then headed by Rajnath Singh, of refusing to provide aircraft to transport CRPF jawans and not effectively sanitizing the route. Satya Pal Malik claimed that he raised these lapses with Modi when he called him after the attack, but the prime minister told him to keep quiet about it.
Grave Intelligence Failure in Pulwama Incident
According to Satya Pal Malik, the car carrying 300 kilograms of RDX explosives in the Pulwama incident came from Pakistan but was travelling around the roads and villages of Jammu and Kashmir for 10-15 days without being detected. He alleged grave intelligence failure in the incident.
Mehbooba Mufti’s Claim to Form a New Government
Satya Pal Malik discussed why he did not let Mehbooba Mufti form a new government in Jammu and Kashmir, despite her claim of a majority of 56 in the 87-member assembly. He accused her of lying and claimed that the parties supporting her, such as the National Conference, were separately telling him to dissolve the assembly because they feared horse trading.
Refusal to Clear Hydro-Electric and Reliance Insurance Schemes
Satya Pal Malik also claimed that he was approached by BJP-RSS leader Ram Madhav to clear a hydroelectric scheme and a Reliance insurance scheme, but he refused to do so. Madhav allegedly offered him Rs 300 crores to clear both schemes, but Malik said, “Mein ghalat kaam nahin karoonga (I won’t do a wrong thing)”. He accused the people around Modi of indulging in corruption and using the PMO’s name.
Malik’s Accusations Against Modi Government
Satya Pal Malik alleged that he was removed as governor of Goa in August 2020 and sent to Meghalaya because he had brought several instances of corruption to Modi’s attention. He claimed that the government chose to ignore rather than tackle corruption. Malik also alleged that all the appointments granted by President Droupadi Murmu are vetted by the PMO, and an appointment he had been given was cancelled at the last moment.
Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood
Malik said that removing Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood was a mistake and should be restored immediately. He accused the Modi government of trying to put the blame on Pakistan and derive electoral benefits from the Pulwama attack.
Malik’s interview has caused political earthquakes in the Modi government, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Jammu, and Kashmir. His allegations of corruption and incompetence in the government and the BJP have created controversy and sparked discussions among the public and the media.