Kavinder Gupta takes oath as 3rd Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh

Leh, July 18: Veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Kavinder Gupta, was sworn as the 3rd Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.Dressed in traditional Ladakhi attire, Gupta took the oath of office in a solemn ceremony held in Leh, administered by Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.Welcoming this new chapter in Ladakh’s journey, Gupta emphasized service over power, declaring Ladakh deserves dignity, development, and a voice. “I’m here to serve, not to rule.”Speaking to the reporters, Gupta acknowledged the pain of past neglect and discrimination, and pledged to work with the people, not above them.“From the remote villages of Drass and Zanskar to the valleys of Leh and Kargil, I will stand with the people, building a future rooted in trust, equality, and unity,” he said.Gupta also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu for entrusting him with the responsibility, stating.“I assure the people of Ladakh we will work together for the best of this region. My role is to listen, learn, and act in the interest of every citizen be they Buddhist, Muslim, or from any other community. Religion, caste, or party lines cannot divide us. We will rise together as one Ladakh.”Ladakh’s Member of Parliament Haji Mohammad Haneefa extended a warm welcome, expressing hope in Gupta’s leadership. “He’s not new to Ladakh he knows our geography, our people, our identity.”Similarly, CEC Leh Tashi Gyalson, speaking on behalf of the people of Ladakh, welcomed Gupta with full faith in his grounded leadership, administrative experience, and honest intent.“Having served as Speaker and Deputy CM, LG Gupta understands Ladakh’s challenges from political safeguards to local development. We expect solutions, not delays,” he said, assuring the Hill Council’s full cooperation,” he said.CEC Kargil Dr. Jaffar Akhone was also present at the occasion, signaling a shared commitment from both districts of the Union Territory.