Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced the official launch of her political party, Jan Neeti Bharat, signaling her entry into electoral politics. In a public announcement made on October 15, the former administrator stated that her party plans to contest the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Mittal, who previously served as an IAS officer for nearly 13 years, resigned from the service on August 30, with her resignation being formally accepted in September.
Addressing the shift in her career, Mittal emphasized that the new party is designed to prioritize the needs of the public. In a video message shared on social media, she stated, “Politics rules over you. In Jan Neeti, you will be the ones who rule.” Her platform centers on ensuring government accountability and placing citizens at the heart of policymaking throughout a standard five-year governance term. She expressed a desire to work directly with the public rather than aligning with established political organisations.
Mittal’s decision to transition from administration to politics follows her public declaration on September 29, where she identified herself as a voice for those whose grievances often go unheard by authorities. Reflecting on her tenure, she highlighted instances of bureaucratic delays, such as the stalled construction of a school in Lahuria Dah village, which she had previously approved but remained unbuilt after three years. She attributed these failures to a lack of institutional will, noting that administrative files often become insurmountable obstacles without proactive leadership.
The former officer, who is an alumna of IIT Delhi and IIM Bengaluru, also addressed broader societal concerns, including rural infrastructure, exam paper leaks, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market. She criticized the current political climate for being dominated by noise and power while lacking clear, long-term strategic thinking. Her campaign aims to demand transparency and an accounting of these systemic policy failures.
The announcement has resonated in areas where Mittal previously served, particularly in Mirzapur. During a visit to the Jigna area on October 11, local residents held a warm reception for the former District Magistrate, showering her with flower petals and raising slogans in her support. During her interaction with the public in Mirzapur, she expressed gratitude for the local support and spoke about her commitment to the well-being of the region’s residents.
Before her career in the Indian Administrative Service, which began with the 2013 batch, Mittal worked as a Wall Street trader. During her time in the civil services, she held various positions, including District Magistrate in Deoria and Mirzapur. Reports from her time in administration highlight her involvement in projects such as providing piped water to remote villages in Mirzapur.
As she prepares for the 2027 assembly elections, Mittal’s focus remains on establishing the footprint of Jan Neeti Bharat. By positioning her movement as a grassroots-focused alternative, she intends to challenge the existing political discourse in Uttar Pradesh. The launch of the party marks the next phase of her transition from a career in public administration to the competitive landscape of state-level politics.
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