LUCKNOW, SEPTEMBER 29: Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her entry into politics, saying she will begin her political journey independently from Uttar Pradesh and work to raise the concerns of people whose grievances often fail to reach government offices.
In a video message posted on X, Mittal, who resigned from the Indian Administrative Service after a 13-year career on August 30, said she wanted to create a platform focused on the country’s future.
She said her aim was to become the voice of people whose concerns are either unable to reach government offices or remain unheard after reaching them.
Mittal, an IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore alumna and former Wall Street trader, cited several experiences from her administrative career while explaining her decision to enter politics.
She recalled the case of a woman from a remote hill village who, despite not having adequate water facilities at home, wanted a school offering education beyond Class 5 for children in the village. Although the school was approved, construction had not started even after three years, she said.
Mittal questioned whether such delays were caused by funding constraints, administrative rules, pending approvals or a lack of intent.
Recalling another case from her tenure as special secretary in the Revenue Department, she said a landless man who had been allotted government land was unable to take possession despite having the required documents.
She said she wanted to raise questions about such issues, along with infrastructure deficiencies, poor road conditions, deaths allegedly linked to inadequate infrastructure, examination-related concerns and the future of young people amid the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
Mittal said she would not join any existing political party. Instead, she plans to build an independent platform with citizens who share her vision.
She said the initiative would not be driven by money, muscle power or caste and religious calculations, and added that she was prepared to continue raising questions.
Explaining her decision to begin the political journey in Uttar Pradesh, Mittal described the state as her “karmabhoomi” and said its people had supported her during her administrative career.
She said her experiences in the state had helped shape her understanding of public service and her sense of purpose.
Mittal previously served as special secretary in the Revenue Department in Lucknow. She also served as district magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur and Sant Kabir Nagar.
During her tenure as Mirzapur district magistrate, she gained attention for efforts to bring tap water to Lahuriadah, a remote hill village in Halia block, where residents had reportedly waited for decades for access to piped water.
Her tenure in Deoria also included efforts to implement government schemes at the grassroots level and undertake various administrative measures.
Her political announcement comes months ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Mittal said the direction and structure of her political initiative would be developed with the participation of citizens.
