Gupta, who previously served as Deputy Chief Minister and Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, took oath of office at a ceremony held at Raj Niwas. The oath was administered by Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
Speaking to reporters after assuming office, Gupta emphasised unity and development above all divisions. He said he had been appointed to the post of lieutenant governor and assured the people of Ladakh that, rising above religion, caste, and party politics, everyone would work together to rebuild a new Ladakh.
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The newly appointed Lieutenant Governor acknowledged historical grievances in the region and highlighted the need for sustained efforts to address them. He noted that there was still a lot to be done and said there was no doubt that Ladakh had faced a great deal of discrimination in the past.
Outlining his vision for the region’s future, he said they wanted to take Ladakh to a level where its name would be recognised globally as a top tourism destination, and that just like those places in the world known for tourism, Ladakh’s name should be counted among them.
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Among those present at the ceremony was former MLA Vikram Randhawa, who praised Gupta’s appointment and extensive administrative experience. Randhawa said Gupta had taken charge as LG and described him as a leader with administrative skills, having served successfully as a three-time MLA from Jammu City, as deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and as Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
He added that it was fortunate for Ladakh and unfortunate for Jammu and Kashmir that such a person, a true son of the soil of Jammu, had been appointed as the LG of Ladakh.
Gupta’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Ladakh, where in the region has been struggling with a decline in tourist footfalls and continues to seek a balance between preserving its unique cultural and environmental heritage and pursuing economic development, through sustainable tourism.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)