Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 7: BJP Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Sharma on Sunday pledged to discharge his responsibilities with complete dedication, honesty and commitment after being appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The appointment marks a change in the constitutional leadership of the strategically important Union Territory, with Sharma expected to assume office shortly.
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Sharma as the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through a communique issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday. The appointment will come into effect from the date he assumes charge of the office.
Reacting to the appointment, Sharma expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP’s central leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility.
In a message posted on social media platform X, Sharma described the appointment as a responsibility towards the Constitution, the nation and public service rather than merely a constitutional position. He said he would perform his duties with complete devotion, honesty and dedication while expressing gratitude to elders, well-wishers, friends and citizens for their continued support and encouragement.
Sharma currently represents Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha and brings extensive administrative, political and academic experience to the post.
Born on January 12, 1964, in Lucknow, Sharma served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh between 2017 and 2022 in the Yogi Adityanath government. During his tenure, he handled portfolios including higher education, technical education, science and technology, and information technology.
Before serving as Deputy Chief Minister, Sharma was elected Mayor of Lucknow in 2006 and secured a second term in 2012, winning the election by a record margin.
Alongside his political career, Sharma has remained associated with academics. A professor of commerce at the University of Lucknow since the early 1990s, he has supervised several research scholars and continues to maintain his academic engagement.
His political journey began through student organisations before he rose through the ranks of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s youth wing and later held several key organisational responsibilities within the party.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy strategic importance in the Bay of Bengal and are administered by a Lieutenant Governor, who functions as both the constitutional head and the head of the administration. The office plays a key role in governance, development and coordination with the Central government, particularly in matters relating to security, tourism, infrastructure and environmental conservation.
