Kavinder Gupta Appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh; Raju to Goa, Ghosh to Haryana

JAMMU, July 14: In a significant reshuffle of gubernatorial positions, President Droupadi Murmu has appointed former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and ex-Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta, as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The announcement was made through an official communiqué issued on Monday.

Alongside Gupta’s appointment, the President has also named former Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, as the Governor of Goa, and Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh as the new Governor of Haryana. These appointments will come into effect from the respective dates the appointees assume charge of their offices. The communiqué further noted that the President has accepted the resignation of Brigadier (Retd.) B.D. Mishra, who previously held the position of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.

Kavinder Gupta’s elevation to this high constitutional post marks a significant moment in his political career, which spans decades of active service. A seasoned BJP leader and RSS ideologue, Gupta has deep roots in political activism, having taken part in the JP Movement as a student leader and endured imprisonment during the Emergency period for his involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He has previously served three terms as Mayor of Jammu Municipal Corporation and is known for his accessible demeanor, inclusive political approach, and strong organizational skills.

A former legislator from the Gandhi Nagar constituency in Jammu, Gupta was elected to the J&K Assembly in 2014, defeating senior Congress leader and then Minister Raman Bhalla. Following the BJP-PDP coalition’s victory that year, he was unanimously elected as Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly, a role in which he was commended for maintaining impartiality and ensuring the dignity of the institution.

Reacting to his appointment, Gupta expressed deep gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for entrusting him with what he described as a “prestigious and challenging” responsibility. He also acknowledged the consistent support of BJP workers and party functionaries, stating that their trust and cooperation have been integral to his political journey.

Gupta emphasized his intent to serve the people of Ladakh with humility and dedication. “I am fully aware of the aspirations of the people of Ladakh and the developmental challenges the region faces. My approach will be inclusive—I will work in close coordination with the administration and local leadership to address issues and accelerate development,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as Mayor and Speaker, Gupta noted his efforts to build consensus among diverse political groups and foster cooperation. “In a politically varied setup like the JMC and later the Assembly, I always believed in taking everyone along, keeping the dignity of the institution intact. That experience will guide me in my new role as well,” he added.

Gupta also served as the president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and held the position of General Secretary of BJP’s J&K unit from 1993 to 1998 for two consecutive terms. His grassroots organizational experience, combined with his long-standing association with ideological and political forums, is expected to aid him in navigating the complexities of Ladakh’s administrative and developmental landscape.

In recognition of his appointment, the Jammu & Kashmir BJP organized a felicitation function attended by a large gathering of senior leaders, MLAs, and party activists. The mood at the event was celebratory, with party leaders expressing confidence that Gupta’s leadership will usher in a new era of growth and inclusive governance for the people of Ladakh.

As Ladakh continues to evolve as a Union Territory with its own unique aspirations, Kavinder Gupta’s appointment is being viewed as a strategic step by the central government to ensure political stability, administrative outreach, and greater responsiveness to local concerns. His experience in consensus-building and governance will be tested in a region that demands sensitive, sustained, and development-oriented leadership.