Srinagar, Oct 25 (KNO): As October 31, the day when Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh would officially be declared as two Union Territories (UTs), the race for Lieutenant Governor (LG) post has started with many names making round. Reliable sources said that three top guns are in the race for the post of LG that include Rajiv Gauba, the former union home secretary, N Mishra, former personal secretary to Prime Minister Narendera Modi while as few union ministers are putting their weight behind the incumbent Governor Satya Pal Malik. According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), hectic lobbying is on for the post of LG, who is supposed to take reigns of both UTs—Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh on November 1. Sources said that the oath taking ceremony will be held in Jammu. “The front runner is former Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, who has been overseeing security affairs in Jammu and Kashmir since past many years while as Mishra, who was personal secretary to PM Modi is also in the race,” a reliable source privy to the development, told KNO. He said that what has made the job of appointment of LG difficult is that a few ministers in the Union Cabinet have advocated the name of incumbent Governor S P Malik and suggested that he be elevated as the LG for J&K and Ladakh. “However, there is no consensus on Malik’s name so far,” sources said. “Gauba’s name has been shortlisted but the Centre has decided not to jump the gun.” A crucial meet is slated in New Delhi in this regard on October 28 where hectic deliberations will take place on issue and where name will also be finalized. Sources, however, confirmed to KNO that the LG will be head of both UTs—Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. On August 5, Centre took a historic step by announcing revocation of Article 370 and bifurcation of erstwhile State into two UTs. An unprecedented clampdown was imposed across Jammu and Kashmir that included communication gag and internet suspension on all platforms which triggered a wave of uncertainty across Kashmir. (KNO)