Former IAS Officer Divya Mittal Enters Politics, Rules Out Joining Any Party

Lucknow, September 29, 2026 Former Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her entry into politics days after leaving the civil services. Choosing an independent route rather than aligning with an existing party, Mittal said Uttar Pradesh, which she described as her “karmabhoomi,” will be the starting point of her political journey. A 2013-batch IAS officer, Mittal resigned after nearly 13 years in service. Outlining the purpose behind her move, she said, “The first question is what next? Politics.” She added, “I want to become a voice, the voice of those people whose voice does not reach any office and, even if it reaches, is not heard.” Mittal drew on her administrative experience to raise questions about accountability and delays in development. She cited concerns ranging from stalled public projects and inadequate roads and bridges to difficulties faced by rural communities. Recalling an approved school project that remained pending for years, she said, “There was just no will. If there had been will, even the mountain would have given way, but if there had been no will, a single file became a mountain.” Her political focus also includes issues affecting young people, such as examination paper leaks, prolonged recruitment processes and the possible impact of artificial intelligence on employment. “Today, there is everything in our politics, there is power, there is noise, but there is no thinking. I want an account of that lack of thinking,” she said. Making her position on political affiliation clear, Mittal said, “We will have to change the politics. I will do politics, but not with anyone or any party. But with you all.” She has called on people from different sections of society to participate in her initiative as she begins her political journey from Uttar Pradesh.