Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda raised questions in Parliament regarding the absence of state honors during the funeral of former Governor Satyapal Malik. He accused the government of disregarding constitutional traditions.
New Delhi: Following the passing of former Governor Satyapal Malik, a debate has intensified in political circles regarding the absence of state honors during his funeral. Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda from Rohtak bly raised this issue in Parliament, accusing the central government of disregarding constitutional traditions. He stated that such treatment of a person who held a dignified position like former Governor is reprehensible.
Issue Raised in Parliament, Government Targeted
Senior Congress leader and Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda vehemently raised this issue in Parliament. He questioned the government as to why a former Governor was not given the official protocol and honors during his final farewell. Calling it a condemnable example, he said, "It is unfortunate that the government ignored Satyapal Malik, a senior and experienced person, even after hearing about it."
Deepender Hooda also raised this issue on social media. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"Today, I raised the issue in the country's largest panchayat about the government not providing state honors during the funeral of former Governor Satyapal Malik Ji. It is sad that the BJP government ignored it even after hearing about it."
Tributes Paid in Lok Sabha, But Questions Raised
Satyapal Malik passed away on August 5 at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi. He was 79 years old and had been ill for a long time. In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla read a condolence message on his demise, and Members of Parliament observed silence to pay tribute to the departed soul. It was after this tribute that Deepender Hooda raised this issue and questioned the government's silence.
Satyapal Malik's Political and Administrative Contribution
Satyapal Malik was a senior politician and experienced administrator. He held various important positions in his political life, including the Governors of Bihar, Goa, Meghalaya, and Jammu & Kashmir. He was the last full-time Governor of Jammu & Kashmir when the state's special status (Article 370) was revoked. His role was considered very important during this sensitive time.
He had often openly expressed his opinion on the government's policies, especially regarding agricultural laws and security arrangements in Jammu & Kashmir. He was a person who was known for his independent thinking even while being in power.
Not Giving State Honors: Mere Oversight or Deliberate Neglect?
Questions are now being raised about whether this was merely an administrative oversight or a deliberate act. The opposition is calling it a result of political malice, while the government has not yet issued any clear clarification.
Deepender Hooda and the Congress party say that when a person who held a high office conferred by the Constitution does not receive this honor, it is not only an insult to that person but also a violation of democratic norms. They have demanded that the government fix accountability in this matter and prevent such incidents in the future.
Political Atmosphere Heats Up
Other opposition parties have also targeted the central government on this issue. Many leaders have said that ideologies may be different, but respect for a person's contribution and dignity should be above political differences. If a former Governor can be treated like this, it is a worrying sign for democracy.
