Taranjit Singh Sandhu takes oath as Delhi's new LG
Taranjit Singh Sandhu was sworn in on Thursday (March 11, 2026) as Delhi's 23rd lieutenant governor, with the ceremony held at Lok Niwas and attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other dignitaries.
His appointment comes as part of a larger reshuffle across nine states and union territories.
Diplomat turned politician
Sandhu is not just any bureaucrat: he has represented India as ambassador to the US high commissioner to Sri Lanka, and deputy chief of mission in Washington.
After leaving his ambassadorial post in January 2024, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls on a BJP ticket from Amritsar (though he did not win).
His international experience could bring a fresh perspective to Delhi's administration.
Responsibilities ahead for Sandhu
A 1988 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Sandhu has spent decades navigating global politics.
Now, he will be handling big responsibilities like keeping public order in Delhi, overseeing administrative functions and governance-related issues, and coordinating between the center and state government.
Sandhu replaces VK Saxena
Sandhu takes over from Vinai Kumar Saxena (now posted to Ladakh), following Kavinder Gupta's resignation.
With his diplomatic background, many are watching to see how Sandhu adapts to his new role at home.