President Murmu appoints BJP MP Dinesh Sharma as Andaman and Nicobar Lt Governor

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma as the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a communique issued late Saturday night.

The appointment will take effect from the date Sharma assumes charge of the office.

“President of India is pleased to appoint Dr Dinesh Sharma as Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Dinesh Sharma thanks Modi, Murmu

Sharma, 62, thanked President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP's central leadership for the appointment.

He described the new role as a responsibility towards the Constitution, the nation and public service, and said he would discharge his duties with “complete devotion, honesty, and dedication”.
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Sharma's political career

Sharma previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2017 to 2022. Before that, he was the Mayor of Lucknow.

He later entered Parliament as a Rajya Sabha member. Sharma was elected unopposed in a 2023 Rajya Sabha by-election in Uttar Pradesh and also served on the panel of vice-chairpersons of the Upper House.

His current Rajya Sabha term was scheduled to end on November 25.
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New role in Andaman and Nicobar

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are administered as a Union Territory, with the Lieutenant Governor serving as its constitutional head.

Sharma's appointment places the former Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister in charge of the Union Territory, subject to him formally assuming office.