Union Territory without a legislative assembly.
Lakshadweep does not have a Chief Minister. It is a Union Territory without its own legislative assembly and is administered through a Administrator appointed under India’s Union Territory governance framework.
Quick administration profile
| Union Territory | Lakshadweep |
|---|---|
| Legislative assembly | No |
| Chief Minister | No Chief Minister |
| Administrative head | Praful Patel |
| Designation | Administrator |
| In office / charge since | 4 December 2020 (additional charge) |
| Capital | Kavaratti |
| Information checked | 27 July 2026 |
Why does Lakshadweep not have a Chief Minister?
India has eight Union Territories, but only Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry have legislative assemblies and serving chief ministers. The other five Union Territories are administered without an elected chief minister. Their executive administration is headed by a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator.
Who currently heads the administration?
As of 27 July 2026, Praful Patel serves as Administrator. The research snapshot lists the present charge or appointment date as 4 December 2020 (additional charge).
About Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is an island union territory without a legislature. It is governed through an Administrator appointed by the President of India. Its capital is Kavaratti.
How the administration works
Union Territories are administered under Articles 239 to 241 of the Constitution of India. The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal Union ministry for major administrative, legislative, financial and service matters relating to Union Territories. The precise distribution of powers can vary according to the law applicable to each territory.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Chief Minister of Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep has no Chief Minister because it does not have a legislative assembly.
Who is the administrative head of Lakshadweep?
The administrative head is Praful Patel, serving as Administrator.
What is the capital of Lakshadweep?
The capital is Kavaratti.
Sources and image note
Union Territory framework: Ministry of Home Affairs – UT Division.
Current administration: Official administration page.
Featured-image source page: Wikimedia Commons file page.
Editorial note: This is a draft administration profile. Recheck the current officeholder and the exact image licence/attribution requirements before publishing.
