Patna: Divya Gautam, the maternal cousin of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has entered the political fray as a candidate in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) has nominated her from the Digha Assembly constituency, where she will contest on a Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation [CPI(ML)] ticket.
A well-known face in student politics, Divya has been associated with the CPI(ML) and its student wing, AISA, since her college days. She first contested the Patna University Students’ Union election in 2012 as a presidential candidate. Though she lost, her political journey continued through activism and social work focusing on education, gender rights, and marginalized communities.
“I began my political journey during my student days at Patna College. We faced issues like poor infrastructure, lack of teachers, and high vocational course fees. That’s when I realized the importance of raising our voices. Politics for me has always been about fighting for the rights of students and ordinary people,” Divya said.
After completing her journalism degree from Patna University, she pursued a master’s in Women’s Studies from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Hyderabad. Over the years, she has worked on human rights and Dalit issues and used theatre as a medium to express social concerns.
‘CPI(ML) reflects my ideology’
Divya, who has been associated with the CPI(ML) for over 13 years, says the party’s commitment to people’s struggles inspired her. “I saw members of the CPI(ML) working selflessly without greed or personal gain. Their love for society and dedication to justice drew me toward them. I believe every citizen deserves food, shelter, education, and dignity — values that the CPI(ML) stands for,” she said.
Divya filed her nomination papers on October 16. The Digha Assembly constituency, currently held by BJP MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia, has been with the BJP for two consecutive terms. When asked about her main rival, Divya said, “He has been in office for 10 years and yet, basic civic issues remain unresolved. The drains in Digha overflow, slums are demolished without rehabilitation, and women feel unsafe returning home after dark. This time, people are angry and want change.”
She also criticized the poor maintenance of the Sushant Singh Rajput Chowk in Digha. “It’s unfortunate that my brother’s name is being used for publicity when the spot itself is built over an open drain. It’s disrespectful to his memory,” she said.
‘Voice of youth and women leadership’
Divya credits RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for supporting young and women leaders in the alliance. “Tejashwi Yadav trusted me, and that in itself is a big thing. We are here to represent youth leadership and women’s empowerment,” she said, adding that Tejashwi might campaign for her depending on his schedule.
Comparing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with Tejashwi, Divya said, “People have seen Nitish Kumar for two decades — his shifting alliances and unfulfilled promises. Contract workers, ASHA and Anganwadi workers face insecurity and threats. The NDA’s politics is based on fear and deception.”
‘Caste politics is losing relevance’
On the issue of caste-based politics, Divya said, “Many candidates still rely on caste for votes, but people today are more aware. The oppressed communities must come forward and make their voices heard in the Assembly. People can differentiate between genuine and opportunistic leaders now.”
‘Our fight is with BJP and NDA, not Jan Suraaj’
Reacting to questions about leaders like Chirag Paswan and Prashant Kishor, she remarked, “Our contest is with the BJP and NDA, not with Jan Suraaj. They are not a political factor in our fight for people’s issues.”
‘Remembering Sushant through service’
Speaking emotionally about her late cousin Sushant Singh Rajput, Divya said his ideals inspire her campaign. “Sushant Bhaiya achieved everything through hard work. He dreamt big for Bihar’s youth and women. I don’t want to politicize his name — instead, I want to fulfill his dream of a progressive Bihar. The artists here live in poor conditions; they need real support, not tokenism,” she said.
‘My struggles shaped me’
Recalling her personal journey, Divya shared, “My mother passed away in 2017. We are three sisters. When it came to performing her last rites, people stopped me, saying daughters can’t do it. But my father supported me, and I lit the pyre myself. That day changed my life.”
She added that she later prepared for the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam and cleared the preliminary stage. “That period helped me understand Bihar better. My struggles made me stronger and shaped the person I am today,” she said.
‘Women face many barriers in politics’
Highlighting the lack of representation for women, Divya said, “Women in public life face constant judgment and character assassination. They get little support from families. I’m fortunate to have a supportive family, but the environment must change for more women to enter politics.”
As Divya Gautam steps into the Assembly race from Digha, she carries the legacy of student activism, social justice, and the emotional connect of being Sushant Singh Rajput’s sister. Her campaign, built on youth empowerment and women’s leadership, aims to challenge the decade-long BJP hold in the constituency.
