Kavinder Gupta Steps Down as Lt Governor of Ladakh
Synopsis
In a surprising political move, Ladakh's Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta has resigned after just eight months in office. His term was marred by regional unrest and demands for statehood, raising questions about leadership in the Union Territory.
Key Takeaways
Kavinder Gupta resigned as Lt Governor of Ladakh after eight months.
His tenure faced considerable unrest and local protests.
Gupta has a long political history, including serving as Mayor of Jammu.
The resignation raises questions about future governance in Ladakh.
Public sentiment is critical of his leadership during his short term.
Jammu, March 5 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has tendered his resignation from office on Thursday, just eight months after taking on the role. Gupta was sworn in on July 18, 2025, marking his position as the third LG of this Union Territory.
His term was marked by escalating unrest in the area, where various civil society groups, including the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, have been advocating for statehood, protections under the Sixth Schedule, and job reservations for local residents.
It was reported that Gupta encountered significant public discontent during a visit to a local monastery on Wednesday.
At 66 years old, Gupta began his political journey at the age of 13 by joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and was imprisoned for thirteen months during the Emergency.
From 1978 to 1979, he held the position of secretary for the Punjab unit of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and later became the head of the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha from 1993 until 1998.
Gupta also served as the Mayor of Jammu for an unprecedented three consecutive terms, from 2005 to 2010. He contested the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and won from the Gandhinagar constituency in Jammu, defeating the incumbent MLA, Raman Bhalla of the Congress party.
On March 19, 2015, he was elected as the Speaker of the J&K Assembly, notably being the first leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party to occupy this role.
Following a cabinet reshuffle on April 30, 2018, Gupta was appointed Deputy Chief Minister, succeeding Nirmal Kumar Singh. However, just 51 days later, on June 19, 2018, he resigned from this position as the BJP withdrew from its alliance with the PDP.
During a press conference led by Ram Madhav, then BJP National General Secretary, the decision to end the alliance was announced, with Gupta criticizing Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's government for its failures, citing an increase in violence, threats to fundamental rights, and rising radicalization as reasons for the BJP's departure from the coalition.
Gupta was appointed as the third Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on July 14, 2025, and took his oath on July 18, 2025.
Point of View
It is essential to note that Kavinder Gupta's resignation as the Lt Governor of Ladakh comes amid rising local discontent and demands for greater autonomy. His leadership will now be evaluated in the context of ongoing social and political challenges in the region.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kavinder Gupta resign?
Kavinder Gupta resigned amid rising public unrest and demands for statehood and local job reservations from various civil society groups in Ladakh.
When did Kavinder Gupta take office?
He was sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on July 18, 2025.
What were the main issues during Gupta's tenure?
His tenure was marked by protests for statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, and job reservations for locals.
What political roles has Gupta held in the past?
Kavinder Gupta has previously served as Mayor of Jammu, Speaker of the J&K Assembly, and Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the reaction to Gupta's resignation?
Public reaction has been mixed, with reports of significant discontent during his recent visit to a local monastery.
