CS, DGP greet LG on his arrival amid traditional welcome
Leh, Jul 17: Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta, has arrived in Leh on Thursday afternoon ahead of his swearing-in ceremony on Friday as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
He is scheduled to take the oath of office on July 18 at the Raj Niwas, with elaborate administrative preparations already underway for the historic occasion.
Upon his arrival in Leh, Kavinder Gupta was accorded a warm welcome by the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, Pawan Kotwal, DGP Dr S.D. Singh Jamwal, and senior officials of the Civil Administration.
People from all walks, All Ladakh Transport Association (ALTA) welcomed the new LG with open arms.
The reception reflected the significance of the occasion, with cultural displays and traditional ceremonial greetings underscoring the deep respect and anticipation surrounding his appointment. Senior Party leaders from Ladakh UT were also present.
Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters of Kavinder Gupta are also reaching Leh to participate in the oath-taking ceremony.
Sources indicate that preparations at Raj Bhawan, Ladakh, are in full swing. Administrative teams have been mobilized to finalize the event venue, seating arrangements, guest lists, and other formalities to ensure a smooth and dignified ceremony.
According to sources, the oath-taking ceremony will take place at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 18, at the Darbar Hall of Raj Niwas in Leh.
He will succeed Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), who resigned earlier this month after serving as Lieutenant Governor since February 2023. The oath will be administered by the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh High Court.
The swearing-in event is being organised under the supervision of Ladakh’s Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, with the administration coordinating final preparations and guest invitations.
The event is likely to witness a diverse gathering of dignitaries and representatives from across Ladakh. These include spiritual and religious leaders, civil society members, senior bureaucrats, political representatives from both Leh and Kargil, and notable citizens who have contributed to public service or received national honours.
Invitations have been sent to senior political leaders, top civil and police officials, religious heads, and representatives of various social and cultural bodies of Ladakh.
Gupta’s appointment comes at a crucial time when Ladakh is at the center of various developmental discussions, particularly related to infrastructure, climate resilience, and preservation of cultural heritage. His political maturity and administrative experience are expected to lend momentum to ongoing and future initiatives aimed at holistic growth in the Union Territory.
With his swearing-in set for Friday, expectations are high among the people of Ladakh who look forward to a new chapter under his leadership—marked by inclusivity, accelerated development, and deeper engagement with local aspirations.
Kavinder Gupta, a seasoned politician known for his grounded approach and strong organizational skills, has previously served as the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and Deputy CM in the erstwhile state. He is widely respected for his commitment to the grassroots and his efforts in strengthening democratic institutions in the region.
