Leh: Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, assured on Tuesday that “Ladakh will be better than before,” as he addressed a gathering during his felicitation ceremony at the BJP Headquarters in Jammu.
Gupta, a seasoned BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, said he accepted the role with a deep sense of responsibility and patriotism.
“I will not let down the party, the nation, or the workers,” he said, emphasizing his core belief: “Nation first, party second, self last.”
While he refrained from making immediate policy statements regarding Ladakh, Gupta made it clear that his approach would be grounded in accountability, consultation, and results.
“I will speak about Ladakh only after I reach there and hold discussions with the Defence Ministry. This is a sensitive region — I will not speak without understanding ground realities.”
He highlighted the importance of security coordination, stating that the Lieutenant Governor heads the Unified Command, under which major generals, security forces, and police operate.
Gupta also recalled key infrastructure initiatives taken during his previous tenure, including the Zojila Tunnel project, approved in 2018 with the Prime Minister.
“Ladakh doesn’t get 365 days of the year — it gets 180. Roads remain closed for months. But under PM Modi, ₹8000 crore was invested to open connectivity through tunnels and road projects. That’s real change.”
The newly appointed LG spoke about the lack of proper medical and educational facilities for youth in Ladakh and called for collective effort to address the gaps.
“There wasn’t even a university. Students from Kargil roam in search of opportunities. We must change that,” he said, adding that he is open to learning from experienced voices in the region.
In a light hearted but sincere tone, Gupta told BJP workers: “The Governor’s House is not mine — it’s yours. You’re welcome, but come with purpose and in discipline,” he smiled, drawing laughter from the crowd.
He thanked the party leadership, the President, and the Prime Minister for their trust, and assured that his time in Ladakh would be marked by action, not just words.
“No one will say Kavinder came to take — I’ve come to serve. Ladakh will be better than before, and I will ensure every citizen feels that difference.
