The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are set to get a new constitutional head. President Droupadi Murmu appointed Dr. Dinesh Sharma, a BJP Rajya Sabha member and former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory. Rashtrapati Bhavan announced the appointment on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with the change taking effect from the date Sharma formally assumes charge of the office.
Sharma will succeed Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.), PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM, who has served as Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory since October 8, 2017. Reacting to the appointment, Sharma expressed gratitude to President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Home Minister, and the BJP’s central leadership, saying he would carry out the responsibility with devotion, honesty, and dedication.
Quick Facts: Dinesh Sharma’s Appointment
- New role: Lieutenant Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Appointed by: President Droupadi Murmu
- Announcement date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Effective from: Date Sharma assumes charge of office
- Predecessor: Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.), in office since October 8, 2017
- Sharma’s age: 62
- Current position: BJP Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament
- Rajya Sabha term scheduled to end: November 25, 2026
- Previous major role: Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, 2017-2022
- Earlier civic role: Mayor of Lucknow
- Academic background: Professor of Commerce, University of Lucknow, since the 1990s
Who Is Dinesh Sharma?
Dinesh Sharma brings a long career spanning education, civic administration, and state-level politics to this new constitutional role. Before entering full-time politics, he built a substantial academic career, working as a professor of commerce at the University of Lucknow from the 1990s onward, during which he also guided research scholars.
His entry into public office began at the civic level, where he served as Mayor of Lucknow. From there, his political career advanced significantly when he became Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, a position he held from 2017 to 2022 during the first term of the Yogi Adityanath government. During his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, Sharma handled several important portfolios, including secondary and higher education, science and technology, and electronics and information technology.
Dinesh Sharma’s Career Timeline at a Glance
| Period | Role |
|---|---|
| 1990s onward | Professor of Commerce, University of Lucknow |
| Prior to 2017 | Mayor of Lucknow |
| 2017-2022 | Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh |
| Ongoing (until Nov 25, 2026) | BJP Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament |
| September 5, 2026 | Appointed Lieutenant Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
Understanding the Lieutenant Governor’s Role
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are administered as a Union Territory, with the Lieutenant Governor serving as its constitutional head. This role carries significant responsibility for governance, development coordination with the central government, and oversight across areas including security, tourism, infrastructure, and environmental conservation.
Given the islands’ strategic location in the Bay of Bengal, the position also carries broader national significance. The territory continues to receive attention for large-scale developmental projects currently underway, adding further weight to whoever holds this constitutional post at any given time.
Who Was the Outgoing Lieutenant Governor?
Sharma succeeds Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.), a decorated former Indian Navy officer who has served as Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands since October 8, 2017. Before this appointment, Joshi had a distinguished naval career, having previously served as Chief of the Naval Staff from 2012 to 2014.
Joshi’s nearly nine-year tenure as Lieutenant Governor makes this a significant leadership transition for the Union Territory, marking the end of a long-serving administration and the beginning of a new chapter under civilian political leadership rather than a former military officer.
What Dinesh Sharma Said After His Appointment
Following the announcement, Sharma publicly expressed his gratitude toward President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, the Union Home Minister, and the BJP’s central leadership. He described the new responsibility as a commitment to the Constitution, the nation, and public service.
Sharma further stated that he would discharge his duties with complete devotion, honesty, and dedication, signalling his intent to approach the role with the same seriousness that has characterised his earlier positions in civic and state government.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About the Appointment
Dr. Dinesh Sharma, a BJP Rajya Sabha member and former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has been appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor.
President Droupadi Murmu made the appointment, with Rashtrapati Bhavan announcing it on September 5, 2026.
The appointment takes effect from the date Sharma formally assumes charge of the office.
He succeeds Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.), who had served as Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory since October 8, 2017.
He is 62 years old.
Background and Career
He was serving as a BJP Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, with his current term scheduled to end on November 25, 2026.
He served as Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2017 to 2022, during the first term of the Yogi Adityanath government.
He handled portfolios including secondary and higher education, science and technology, and electronics and information technology.
He served as Mayor of Lucknow before joining the Uttar Pradesh state cabinet.
Yes. He worked as a professor of commerce at the University of Lucknow from the 1990s onward and also guided research scholars during his academic career.
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