‘I will keep asking questions’: Former IAS officer Divya Mittal enters UP politics

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal on Tuesday announced her entry into politics as an independent candidate, declaring that she will begin her political journey from Uttar Pradesh to give a platform to ordinary citizens whose grievances fail to reach government offices.Mittal, who resigned from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) on August 30 after a 13-year administrative career, released a video statement on X outlining her vision for a new kind of public movement focused on accountability and systemic change.

I want to be the voice of those people whose voices cannot reach any office and, even if they do, are not heard, Mittal said, adding that she aims to seek an account of the country's 80 years since Independence. Also read: ECINet row: Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam seeks ERO powers; Congress targets CECAn alumna of IIT Delhi and IIM Bangalore and a former Wall Street trader, Mittal reflected on key moments from her civil service career that shaped her decision to enter public life.

She recounted the story of a woman from a hilly village who, despite having no access to running water at home, prioritized requesting a school beyond Class 5 for the local children. Although the school received official approval, construction had not begun three years later. Mittal questioned whether the delay stemmed from a lack of funds, rigid rules, bureaucratic approvals, or simply a lack of intent.She highlighted another instance from her tenure as special secretary in the Revenue Department concerning a landless man who was allotted government land but was denied physical possession despite possessing valid documentation.

After intervening to withdraw an incorrect official report on the matter, Mittal said subsequent efforts to secure the man's land were halted by an instruction that it had been stopped from above. Mittal stated that her movement will directly confront these systemic issues, alongside infrastructure deficiencies, unsafe road conditions, fatal accidents caused by poor public works, examination irregularities, and the long-term impact of artificial intelligence on youth employment.Also read: After CWC meet, Congress says PM has 'no moral right' to remain in office, announces nationwide protests against CEC and SIR The objective is not only to change one politician; politics has to change, she emphasized, arguing that governance should be driven by intent, justice, concern and thought rather than traditional political maneuvering.Refusing to align with any established political outfits, Mittal confirmed she will build an independent grassroots platform alongside citizens, unswayed by financial influence, muscle power, or caste and religious optics.

I'm not afraid. I will keep asking questions, she declared.Addressing her decision to launch her political career in Uttar Pradesh, Mittal referred to the state as her karmabhoomi and expressed gratitude for the public support she received during her civil service tenure. I came here as an officer, but the people here made me their daughter, Mittal said, noting that the state's people and soil helped her recognize her broader purpose.

She expressed firm optimism that political transformation is achievable, pointing out that Uttar Pradesh has historically guided the nation's direction.Mittal's political debut comes months ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. She noted that the exact framework of her initiative will be developed collaboratively with the public.Before submitting her resignation, Mittal served as the special secretary in the Revenue Department in Lucknow.

She previously served as the District Magistrate in Deoria, Mirzapur, and Sant Kabir Nagar. During her posting in Mirzapur, she earned widespread recognition for overseeing the project that brought piped tap water to Lahuriadah—a remote hilltop village in the Halia block—for the first time 75 years after Independence. Her tenure in Deoria was similarly noted for the efficient grassroots implementation of welfare schemes and decisive administration.