Gupta Pledges Inclusive Dialogue on Statehood and Sixth Schedule
Jammu, July 17: Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has vowed to hold wide-ranging consultations with former legislators and key stakeholders on the region’s growing demands for Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
In an interview, Gupta affirmed his commitment to engaging all sections of society—regardless of political affiliations. “My role is non-partisan now. I will reach out to ex-MLAs, MLCs and other voices across Ladakh. The aim is to implement the aspirations of the people,” he said.
Gupta, a former Deputy Chief Minister and Speaker in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, assumed office as the LG of Ladakh on July 14. He revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called him on July 11, asking whether he would be open to a role outside Jammu. “I never imagined it would be Ladakh. But I accepted the assignment with a full heart,” he shared.
The Union Territory has seen increasing unity between Leh and Kargil over demands for constitutional protections and administrative empowerment. Gupta acknowledged the historical rift between the Buddhist-majority Leh and Shia Muslim-majority Kargil but said his administration will prioritize building trust and equal outreach.
“This is not just about governance but also about healing internal divides. Every Ladakhi—Muslim or Buddhist—must feel heard and represented,” he emphasized.
Gupta is the first political appointee to the LG post in Ladakh, following predecessors from the bureaucracy and the military. His appointment is widely viewed as a gesture by the Centre to establish closer political dialogue with the region’s populace.
Recalling Ladakh’s marginalization under previous administrations, Gupta said the 2019 decision to carve out Ladakh as a separate UT was long overdue. “After 2014, there has been large-scale infrastructure development. The creation of seven districts will bring the administration closer to the people. Now the focus must be on proper execution.”
He also reflected on his earlier work in the region, including laying the foundation stone for the Zojila Tunnel alongside PM Modi in 2018. “The tunnel is a lifeline. I hope it gets completed during my tenure,” he said.
Gupta said he would take an inclusive and collaborative approach. “Governance is not one-sided. I will listen, learn, and work with the people. Teamwork is the only way Ladakh can progress.”
Responding to concerns about growing public agitation, he said some voices arise from genuine fears while others may be disruptive. “I will initiate a dialogue with all sections. The goal is to build consensus through communication.”
Acknowledging his political past, Gupta said he bears no grudges over earlier setbacks, including being denied a party ticket. “Maybe this role is the reward for that patience. I’m grateful. My responsibility now is only to Ladakh and its people.”
