Yogesh
Jammu, Jul 14: The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday announced the appointment of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta, as the new Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
This historic appointment marks Gupta as the first Jammu-born leader to hold this prestigious constitutional position, signalling a significant move by the central government to strengthen political engagement and governance in the region.
President Droupadi Murmu also accepted the resignation of Brigadier (Dr) B.D. Mishra (Retd), the outgoing Lieutenant Governor, paving the way for Gupta’s appointment.
Reacting to his appointment, Kavinder Gupta expressed gratitude and humility, emphasising his commitment to the people of Ladakh.
Speaking to the media, he said, “It is an honour to serve the people of Ladakh. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble President, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and the BJP leadership for deeming me worthy of this responsibility. I accept this challenge with humility and will strive to work with everyone to ensure development, peace, and welfare in the region. Having seen Ladakh’s challenges firsthand, I am committed to addressing them with dedication. We will work together with everyone (for the development of the region).”
Celebrations across Jammu, Ladakh
The announcement of Gupta’s appointment sparked widespread celebrations across his home region of Jammu and Ladakh. Supporters, local leaders, and BJP workers gathered in Jammu and Leh to celebrate the milestone, with many hailing it as a moment of pride for the region.
In Leh, locals organised small rallies, waving flags and distributing sweets, expressing optimism about Gupta’s regional understanding and administrative experience.
In Jammu, BJP workers gathered outside Gupta’s residence, chanting slogans of support and celebrating his rise to one of the Union Territory’s highest offices.
Social media platforms, including X, were abuzz with congratulatory messages, with posts highlighting Gupta’s grassroots connect and his potential to address Ladakh’s developmental challenges.
Brief profile of Kavinder Gupta
Born on December 2, 1959, in Jammu city’s Janipur area, Kavinder Gupta is a seasoned politician and a lifelong member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). 66-year-old Gupta began his political journey at a young age, joining the RSS at 13 and later serving as the secretary of the Punjab unit of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) from 1978 to 1979. His political career gained momentum in Jammu’s municipal politics, where he made history by serving three consecutive terms as Mayor of Jammu from 2005 to 2010, a record in the region.
Gupta’s resilience and commitment to public service were evident early on, as he was imprisoned for over a year during the Emergency (1975–1977), a defining period for many BJP leaders.
He later served as the chief of the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) from 1993 to 1998.
In 2014, Gupta won his first Assembly election from the Gandhi Nagar constituency, defeating senior Congress leader Raman Bhalla. He served as Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and later as Deputy Chief Minister in the PDP-BJP coalition government till 2018.
As a prominent BJP leader, Gupta is known for his grassroots connect and deep understanding of regional issues, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. His appointment as Lieutenant Governor is seen as a strategic move to leverage his administrative acumen and political experience to address Ladakh’s unique challenges, including demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards raised by groups like the Ladakh Apex Body.
Gupta’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Ladakh, as the region navigates developmental aspirations and socio-political demands. His extensive experience in governance, coupled with his regional roots, positions him to foster collaboration between the central government and local stakeholders.
