World · India Bureau
Former IAS Officer Divya Mittal Denies Secret Meeting Claims, Enters Independent Politics
Divya Mittal, who resigned from the Indian Administrative Service, has rejected allegations of a clandestine meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as she announces her entry into Uttar Pradesh politics as an independent candidate.
LSN India ·

Divya Mittal has firmly rejected claims made by a political party spokesperson that she met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in secretive circumstances, describing the allegations as false. The former IAS officer said that such tactics of trolling and accusations cannot be used to intimidate women from pursuing their political aspirations.
Mittal announced her decision to contest elections in Uttar Pradesh as an independent candidate, without affiliation to any political party. Her entry into politics comes after resigning from her position in the civil service, marking a significant career shift toward grassroots-level engagement.
The controversy erupted after a party spokesperson alleged that Mittal had met Gandhi under cover of darkness, insinuating undisclosed political coordination. Mittal's dismissal of these claims underscores her determination to contest on her own terms and platform.
Congress leader Ajay Rai has indicated his support for Mittal's political endeavors, signaling potential backing from the opposition party despite her independent status. The move has drawn attention to growing participation of civil service veterans in electoral politics across northern India.