A Bold Step Into Politics by Former IAS Officer Divya Mittal
Former Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer Divya Mittal has once again surprised political circles by announcing her entry into active politics. The 2013-batch bureaucrat, who abruptly resigned from her administrative post on August 30, 2026, has made it clear that she wants to serve the public through an entirely new path. Her decision to step into the political arena without aligning with any traditional political party has sparked widespread discussions across the state.
Through a video message released to the public, Divya Mittal clarified that she has no intentions of operating under the banner or flag of any established political outfit. Instead, she aims to build an independent political platform by working closely with ordinary citizens at the grassroots level. With the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections approaching in 2027, the entry of a seasoned former bureaucrat with an independent approach is bound to add a fresh dynamic to the state's political landscape.
From IIT, IIM and London Jobs to Civil Services
Divya Mittal's academic and professional journey has been exceptionally stellar. Hailing from Rewari in Haryana, she completed her engineering degree from IIT Delhi followed by a management degree from IIM Bangalore. Before returning to India, she even worked corporate jobs in London, but her aspiration to serve the nation brought her back home. She cleared the rigorous UPSC civil services examination and joined the Indian Administrative Service in the 2013 batch. During her training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), she was awarded the prestigious Ashok Bambawale award for her outstanding performance.
A Track Record of Impactful Public Service in UP Districts
Over her 13-year career in the bureaucracy, Mittal served in multiple challenging roles across Uttar Pradesh. She worked as Joint Magistrate in Meerut, Chief Development Officer in Gonda, Joint Managing Director at UPSIDA, and Vice Chairperson of the Bareilly Development Authority. She also served as District Magistrate in Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur, and Deoria. Her tenure was widely appreciated for administrative efficiency and people-centric initiatives, such as supplying piped water to the remote hilly village of Lahriyadah in Mirzapur, which previously depended entirely on water tankers.
Redefining Public Engagement and Political Alternatives
As political preparations heat up for the 2027 elections, Mittal's decision to launch an independent platform rather than joining existing parties presents a unique experiment in public service. While traditional party politics relies heavily on established machinery, her appeal centers on grassroots connection, transparency, and direct public welfare. Observers note that while electoral politics presents distinct challenges, her reputation as an honest and dedicated administrator could resonate strongly with voters seeking a cleaner alternative.
