‘UP is my karmabhoomi’: Former IAS officer Divya Mittal announces political entry

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her entry into politics

LUCKNOW: Former IAS officer Divya Mittal on Tuesday announced that she would enter politics independently, saying Uttar Pradesh was her “karmabhoomi” and the state would be the starting point of her political journey.In a video statement, Mittal said her decision grew out of what she had seen during her administrative career. “I realised that many problems of the public do not get resolved even when approvals, funds and provisions are in place,” she said. “There are people whose voices do not reach the government, and even when they do, their problems remain unheard.”She cited the example of a remote village where residents had sought a school offering education beyond Class V.

Mittal said she approved the proposal, but construction had not begun years later. “It was not a question of funds or rules. There was a lack of intent,” she said.

She also referred to a landless beneficiary who had official documents for an allotted plot but, she said, had not received physical possession.“Inquiries found irregularities in the reports, and corrective action was taken. Yet the work did not move forward,” Mittal said, questioning what she described as “higher-level interference” in cases where people were legally entitled to relief.

Mittal said she wanted to take up issues including poor rural infrastructure, unsafe roads, examination paper leaks and employment concerns in the age of artificial intelligence. These, she said, needed greater public debate and attention from policymakers.“I want politics of intent, justice, concern and long-term thinking,” she said. “My objective is not just to replace political leaders. It is to change the way politics functions," she added.Rejecting speculation that she might join an existing party, Mittal said she would work directly with citizens and build an independent platform. She alleged that false political rumours circulated after her resignation were intended to discourage newcomers from entering public life. “I will not be deterred from raising public issues,” she said.Mittal appealed to people from different walks of life, including teachers, farmers, students, doctors, labourers and lawyers, to join her effort. “Meaningful political change can come only through collective public participation,” she said.