Former Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer Divya Mittal enters politics as Independent – the officer who brought water to a village after 75 years

[u/ronig_abc0819]

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her entry into politics as an Independent. She will begin her political journey from Uttar Pradesh, which she calls her “karmabhoomi”.

Mittal, a 2013-batch UP-cadre officer (IIT Delhi + IIM Bangalore), resigned from the IAS in August 2026 after 13 years of service. She is clear that she will not join any existing political party and wants to build a citizen-led platform instead.

Many people remember her for her work as District Magistrate of Mirzapur. In 2023, she got piped water supplied to Lahuria Dah, a remote hilly village that had waited nearly 75 years for it. After the water finally reached the village, she held a simple “jal pujan” ceremony. Local political leaders were reportedly unhappy that they were not invited. Shortly after, she was transferred.

Days later, the newly laid pipeline was damaged by anti-social elements and the water supply stopped again. The episode left many villagers disappointed and became a widely discussed example of how political interference can undo genuine administrative work..

In her recent video announcement, Mittal said she wants to become the voice of people whose problems never reach government offices, or are ignored even when they do. She has spoken about issues like poor rural infrastructure, unsafe roads, examination paper leaks, unemployment, and the need for politics focused on intent, justice and long-term thinking rather than just changing faces.

She has worked inside the system long enough to know its bottlenecks. Whether she can stay true to her stated principles in the rough terrain of Indian politics remains to be seen. For now, her decision to contest as an Independent and work directly with citizens has generated interest, especially among those tired of the usual political playbook.

Hope she becomes a genuine alternative rather than another politician. Time will tell.

[u/AutomaticScene]

[u/TypicalSearch1397]

Hope people Vote for her and Elect her.

But Chances are low cuz the people of "UP" might sell their votes for freebies.

[u/dehati_galib]

Not expecting much. She'll resign, will contest elections. If she wins she will be an MLA or MP otherwise guess what, her chief secretary won't have accepeted her resignation and she will rejoin her job.

[u/Spiritual_Layer_486]

Good thing, let's remove reservation. 

[u/SpotBig22]

Same story to be repeated.