New Andaman LG Dinesh Sharma Says His New Assignment ‘Just the Beginning’

On Wednesday, senior BJP leader Dinesh Sharma walked out of the last Standing Committee on Finance meeting with a smile and a clear sense of purpose. He’d just been named the new Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and his reaction was simple: this is only the beginning.

“Whatever we do – whether it’s for the country, for our domestic tourists, or for society at large – we’ll give it our all,” Sharma told reporters, his words echoing the optimism that’s been a hallmark of his political career.

He was quick to add that, for now, he’d be following the roadmap set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. “Right now we walk the path the Prime Minister and Home Minister have charted. After that, we’ll carve out the future together,” he said, his voice a mix of deference and resolve.

One of the practical matters he raised was his impending resignation from the Rajya Sabha. “I have to hand in my resignation as MP. The Finance Committee meeting today was my last as a member. If the Vice‑President is available, I’ll do it tomorrow; otherwise I’ll wait for his convenience,” Sharma explained, showing his respect for procedural norms.

Sharma also outlined the timeline for his next steps. He plans to leave for the islands soon after taking oath on September 15, with a meeting already scheduled with Home Minister Amit Shah beforehand. “I’ll depart on the 15th, but before that I’ll meet the Home Minister to align our priorities,” he said.

The appointment, announced by President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, marks a new chapter for the 62‑year‑old politician, who previously served as Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. While the role is new, Sharma insists the work ahead is far from finished – it’s just the start of a longer journey for the archipelago and the nation.