Former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma is set to take the oath of office as the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on September 15, 2026. The ceremony will be presided over by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.

  • Dinesh Sharma will be sworn in as Lt Governor on September 15, 2026.
  • Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge will administer the oath.
  • Sharma succeeds D.K. Joshi, who served since 2017.

In a significant administrative appointment, former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MP Dinesh Sharma is scheduled to be sworn in as the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the administration of this strategic union territory.

The swearing-in ceremony is slated to take place at the Lok Niwas in Sri Vijaya Puram. Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the incoming Lieutenant Governor.

Political Career and Background

Dinesh Sharma brings a wealth of administrative experience to this new role. During his tenure in the Uttar Pradesh government, he held several high-profile portfolios, including Higher and Secondary Education, Science and Technology, and Electronics and Information Technology. His political journey reached a new milestone in 2023 when he was elected to the Rajya Sabha.

Mr. Sharma arrived in Sri Vijaya Puram on Sunday, September 13, accompanied by his wife, Jai Lakshmi Sharma. Upon arrival at the Veer Savarkar International Airport, he was formally received by Andaman and Nicobar MP Bishnu Pada Ray, Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti, and other senior administrative officials.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the appointment of a seasoned leader like Sharma is crucial for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, given their strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. His experience in managing complex portfolios in a large state like Uttar Pradesh is expected to translate into effective governance in the islands.

The transition from state-level leadership to a strategically vital Union Territory role highlights the central government's focus on strengthening island administration.

Sharma succeeds D.K. Joshi, who has served as the Lieutenant Governor since October 8, 2017. Joshi's long-standing tenure has been instrumental in the islands' developmental trajectory, setting a high benchmark for his successor.

Did You Know?: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are vital to India's maritime security due to their proximity to major international shipping lanes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who will administer the oath to Dinesh Sharma?
Answer: Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge, Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, will administer the oath.

Question 2: Where is the ceremony being held?
Answer: The ceremony will be held at Lok Niwas in Sri Vijaya Puram.