Leh/Jammu, July 18 — Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Friday vowed to rebuild the Union Territory with collective public support and committed to elevating Ladakh’s global standing as a premier tourism destination.
Gupta was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Arun Palli of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court during a formal ceremony at Raj Niwas in Leh. He succeeds Brigadier (Retd.) B.D. Mishra as the third Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
Speaking to reporters after assuming charge, Gupta said, “I have been appointed to serve as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. I want to assure the people that, rising above religion, caste, and political affiliations, we will work together to rebuild a new Ladakh.”
Referring to the region’s long-standing grievances, Gupta remarked, “There is no doubt that Ladakh has faced considerable discrimination in the past. There is still much to be done.”
Outlining his vision for the region, the 66-year-old leader said the administration aims to place Ladakh on the global map as a world-class tourism hub. “Just like globally renowned tourism destinations, we want Ladakh’s name to be counted among them,” he said.
Gupta, a veteran BJP leader from Jammu, has earlier held several high-profile positions including Deputy Chief Minister and Speaker of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. He also served three consecutive terms as an MLA from Jammu City.
MLA Vikram Randhawa, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, called Gupta’s appointment a moment of pride for Jammu. “It is a fortunate day for Ladakh and unfortunate for Jammu and Kashmir that such a capable son of the soil has been given charge in Ladakh,” he said. “With proven administrative experience and political acumen, he is well-suited to lead the Union Territory towards development.”
Gupta’s appointment comes at a time when Ladakh is navigating key developmental and administrative transitions following its separation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. His leadership is expected to shape the next chapter of governance and infrastructure growth in the region.
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