Was Offered Rs 300 Cr Bribe To Clear Deals Of Ambani, Others: Malik
Oct 22, 2021 | Pratirodh Bureau
The Meghalaya Governor urged the government to “reconsider” the new scheme, under which youths will be recruited as soldiers on a contractual basis
Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has claimed that he was told he would get Rs 300-crore bribe if he cleared two files belonging to “Ambani” and an “RSS-affiliated man” during his tenure but he cancelled the deals. Malik, who currently holds the gubernatorial post in Meghalaya, also supported the ongoing farmer agitation against the Centre’s farm laws and said he is ready to leave his post and stand with them if their protest continues.
“After going to Kashmir, two files came to me (for clearance), one belonging to Ambani and another to an RSS-affiliated man who was a minister in the previous Mehbooba Mufti-led (PDP-BJP coalition) government and claimed to be very close to the prime minister.”I was informed by secretaries in both the departments that there is a scandal involved and I accordingly cancelled both the deals. The secretaries told me that ‘you will get Rs 150 crore each for clearing the files’ but I told them that I have come with five kurta-pyjamas and will leave with that only,” Malik told a gathering at an event in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.
A video of his speech has gone viral.
Malik did not elaborate on the two files, but he was apparently referring to a file related to the roll-out of a group health insurance policy for government employees, pensioners and accredited journalists, for which the government had tied up with Reliance General Insurance, part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.
In October 2018, Malik, who was then the governor of J&K, had cancelled the tie-up with Reliance General Insurance Company for providing the group health insurance to employees as there was “some bungling” in it.
“As a precaution, I took time from the prime minister and briefed him about the two files and the scandal as the people involved were taking his name. I straight away told him (PM) that I am ready to leave the post but if I stay back, I am not going to clear the files,” he claimed and praised Modi for saying that there is no need to compromise on corruption.
“The pressure will come and you will also feel good (by taking bribe)…. In Jaipur, there are officers who did not even have thatched houses in their native places (but) have built palatial houses. But if you remain steadfast and honest, you can fight anyone,” Malik said.
The former J&K governor said he does not have a house to live in after his retirement but “I do not have any worry that I have no house.”