Former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma has begun a new constitutional role in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He took the oath as the Union Territory’s 14th Lieutenant Governor on September 15, 2026, at Lok Niwas in Sri Vijaya Puram. The appointment brings an academic-turned-politician with experience in municipal government, state administration and Parliament to one of India’s most strategically located Union Territories. His move from the Rajya Sabha to the islands has also made the appointment a closely followed political transition this week.
Dinesh Sharma Takes Oath as 14th Lieutenant Governor
Sharma was sworn in by Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge. Andaman and Nicobar Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti read the Warrant of Appointment during the ceremony. Senior officials, political representatives and members of the business community were present, according to the PTI report on the oath-taking ceremony.
President Droupadi Murmu had appointed Sharma through a Rashtrapati Bhavan communiqué dated September 5. The order stated that the appointment would take effect from the date he assumed charge. He succeeds retired Admiral D K Joshi, who had held the post since October 2017.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration official portal has also published photographs and an official update from the oath-taking ceremony, giving residents a direct government record of the transition.
Key Highlights
- Dinesh Sharma became the 14th Lieutenant Governor on September 15, 2026.
- He served as Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister from 2017 to 2022.
- He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in 2023.
- His Rajya Sabha resignation took effect on September 11, 2026.
- He previously served two terms as Mayor of Lucknow.
From Lucknow Professor to Deputy Chief Minister
Born on January 12, 1964, Sharma is a Professor of Commerce at the University of Lucknow. His official Lieutenant Governor profile says he holds a PhD focused on the paper industry in India, with special reference to Uttar Pradesh. It also records six books, more than three dozen research papers, and supervision of over 13 doctoral scholars.
His political career included two extended terms as Mayor of Lucknow, first from 2006 to 2012 and again from 2012 until March 18, 2017. He later became Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, serving from 2017 to 2022. His portfolios included Secondary Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Electronics and Information Technology.
Sharma also held organisational roles in the Bharatiya Janata Party, including National Vice-President and Gujarat in-charge. These positions form part of his official biography published by the Union Territory administration.
Why His Rajya Sabha Exit Became Part of the Story
Before becoming Lieutenant Governor, Sharma represented Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha. He entered the Upper House in 2023 after being elected unopposed in a by-election. His term had been due to continue until November 25, 2026.
That changed shortly before he assumed his new office. The Gazette of India portal records that Sharma resigned his Rajya Sabha seat and that the Chairman accepted the resignation with effect from September 11. Four days later, he took the oath in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The sequence placed his appointment among the week’s closely watched political and administrative transitions. It also formally ended his role as a parliamentarian before he started work as the President-appointed administrator of the islands.
What Will Dinesh Sharma Oversee in the Islands?
The Lieutenant Governor heads the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on behalf of the President under India’s Union Territory framework. Sharma therefore enters office while several large infrastructure, connectivity and strategic projects are receiving national attention.
One major programme is the Great Nicobar Project. A May 2026 PIB backgrounder on the Great Nicobar Project lists a proposed international container transshipment terminal, greenfield international airport, power facilities and township development. The government has presented the plan as both an economic and strategic initiative, while environmental and tribal safeguards remain prominent parts of the project’s public debate.
For Sharma, the new role shifts his focus from Uttar Pradesh politics and Parliament to island administration. His early tenure will be watched for decisions on public services, infrastructure, connectivity, disaster preparedness and the execution of ongoing development programmes across the archipelago. The islands’ location near major Indian Ocean shipping routes also keeps security, transport and maritime development high on the administrative agenda.
FAQs
1. Who is Dinesh Sharma?
Dinesh Sharma is a former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Andaman and Nicobar Lieutenant Governor.
2. When did Dinesh Sharma take the oath as Lieutenant Governor?
He took the oath on September 15, 2026, at Lok Niwas in Sri Vijaya Puram.
3. Who administered the oath to Dinesh Sharma?
Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge administered the oath of office and secrecy.
4. Whom did Dinesh Sharma replace as Lieutenant Governor?
He succeeded retired Admiral D K Joshi, who had served as Lieutenant Governor since 2017.
5. Was Dinesh Sharma a Rajya Sabha member?
Yes, he represented Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha before resigning effective September 11, 2026.
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