Who is Kavinder Gupta, the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh?
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Synopsis
In a significant political development, Kavinder Gupta, a senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has been sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. His appointment comes amidst rising demands for greater autonomy in the region. What does this mean for Ladakh's future?
Key Takeaways
- Kavinder Gupta is the new Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
- The oath was administered by Chief Justice Arun Palli.
- Gupta's appointment comes amid demands for greater autonomy.
- He is the third Lieutenant Governor since Ladakh became a Union Territory.
- Gupta has a rich political history in Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar, July 18 (NationPress) Veteran BJP figure and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta, has officially taken the oath as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh this Friday.
The ceremony, held in Leh, was officiated by Chief Justice Arun Palli of the J&K and Ladakh High Court.
Notable attendees included the CEOs of the Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils, Ladakh MP Haji Mohmad Haneefa Jan, along with the chief secretary, DGP, administrative secretaries, and other prominent figures, gathered at Raj Niwas in Leh.
Gupta's appointment was sanctioned by President Droupadi Murmu following the acceptance of Brig (Retd) Dr B.D. Mishra's resignation from the position of Ladakh L-G.
Brig Mishra had been in office since February 2023.
This change in leadership precedes upcoming discussions between the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ladakh's leaders, who are advocating for the 6th Schedule status, statehood with a legislative assembly, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
Gupta becomes the third Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh since its establishment from the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
Previously, he held the position of Deputy Chief Minister in the PDP-BJP coalition government back in 2018 and has also been the Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly as well as the Mayor of Jammu. At 65, Gupta began his journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at age 13 and faced imprisonment for thirteen months during the Emergency period.
Between 1978 and 1979, he acted as the secretary of the Punjab unit for the Vishva Hindu Parishad and led the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha from 1993 to 1998.
Gupta had an impressive tenure as Jammu's mayor, serving three consecutive terms from 2005 to 2010.
In the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, he was elected from the Gandhinagar constituency as a BJP candidate, defeating the incumbent Raman Bhalla from the Indian National Congress.
On March 19, 2015, he was appointed as the Speaker of the Assembly, making history as the first BJP leader to hold this position.
Gupta was designated as the Deputy Chief Minister during a cabinet reshuffle on April 30, 2018, succeeding Nirmal Kumar Singh. However, he resigned from this role on June 19, 2018, after the BJP severed ties with the PDP.
Point of View
The appointment of Kavinder Gupta as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh signals potential shifts in governance amid ongoing demands for statehood and legislative powers. As the region navigates its aspirations for autonomy, Gupta's experience in politics will be crucial in addressing the concerns of local leaders and communities.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administered the oath of office to Kavinder Gupta?
The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Arun Palli of the J&K and Ladakh High Court.
What were the key demands from Ladakh leaders?
Ladakh leaders are advocating for 6th Schedule status, statehood with a legislature, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
When was Ladakh established as a Union Territory?
Ladakh was established as a Union Territory in 2019, following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.
What roles has Kavinder Gupta previously held?
Kavinder Gupta has served as Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly, and Mayor of Jammu.
Who did Kavinder Gupta defeat in the 2014 Assembly elections?
Gupta defeated Raman Bhalla of the Indian National Congress in the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections.
