This is a list of lieutenant governors of Ladakh, a Union territory of India that came into existence on 31 October 2019. The lieutenant governor is directly appointed by the president of India, The lieutenant governor acts as the representative of the Central Government who is not obliged to the Legislature, which in case of Ladakh does not have a legislature. The Central Government governs the territory via the lieutenant governor.
On 13th March 2026, Vinai Kumar Saxena took oath as the 4th lieutenant governor of Ladakh following the resignation of then LG Kavinder Gupta. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party , Saxena was previously the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
Background
In 5th August 2019, a Reorganisation Act was passed by both houses of the Indian Parliament. The provisions contained in the reorganised the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories; Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 October 2019. The act established the position of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
History The inaugural lieutenant governor was former defence secretary and chief information commissioner Radha Krishna Mathur who took over on 31 October 2019. He served in office until being removed in February 2023. Mathur was succeeded by Arunachal Pradesh governor Brigadier B. D. Mishra on 16 February 2023. Mishra was succeeded by Kavinder Gupta on 18 July 2025. Gupta was succeeded by Vinai Kumar Saxena on 13 March 2026.
Lieutenant governors of Ladakh Legend Died in office Transferred Resigned/removed
Color key indicates acting/additional charge indicates position vacant
Portrait Name Home state/ union territory Tenure in office Appointed by From To Time in office 1 Radha Krishna MathurUttar Pradesh 31 October 2019 16 February2023 Ram Nath Kovind 2 B. D. Mishra 16 February2023 18 July2025 Droupadi Murmu 3 Kavinder Gupta Jammu and Kashmir 18 July2025 13 March 2026 4 Vinai Kumar SaxenaUttar Pradesh13 March 2026Incumbent
Oath “I, A. B., do swear in the name of God/solemly affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of Lieutenant Governor (or discharge the functions of the Lieutenant Governor) of Ladakh and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Ladakh.” See also Governor (India)
References