Divya Gautam, a former student leader, will contest from Digha seat as CPI(ML) fields her amid Bihar poll preparations and alliance negotiations.
Entry into the Political Fray
Late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s cousin, Divya Gautam, has been officially nominated as the CPI(ML) Liberation candidate for the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly election. She will contest from the Digha constituency in Patna.
The announcement comes as part of an early candidate rollout from the Left, even as broader seat-sharing talks continue within the Mahagathbandhan (Opposition alliance in Bihar).
Background & Profile
- Divya Gautam has roots in student and academic circles. She served as a leader in AISA (All India Students’ Association).
- She held a position as an assistant professor before entering politics.
- She also worked in government service as a supply inspector under the Bihar administration, which she later resigned to pursue social and political work.
- Gautam has educational credentials in journalism and mass communication, including a postgraduate degree from Patna University.
Her entry is seen as an attempt by CPI(ML) to combine celebrity connection with grassroots appeal, especially targeting younger voters and women in Digha.
Election Strategy & Context
- Digha currently has a BJP MLA, Sanjeev Chaurasia, who is the incumbent and son of Ganga Prasad, former governor. Divya’s candidacy is expected to challenge the BJP’s hold on this key urban seat.
- CPI(ML) has also fielded names for other seats:
• Rambali Yadav from Ghosi
• Madan Singh Chandravanshi from Tarari
• Shiv Prakash Ranjan from Agiaon
• Qayamuddin Ansari from Ara - The Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc) has not yet finalized its seat-sharing formula, which means this move could influence alliance negotiations
Challenges & Opportunities
- Gautam will have to balance her celebrity linkage with substantive policy positions to earn voter trust.
- Being a fresh face, she faces the challenge of limited political experience and needs to mobilize a strong ground base quickly.
- However, her blend of academic, administrative, and student activism experience gives her a multifaceted profile, which may play well in urban constituencies.
- Her nomination also amplifies media attention on Digha, forcing other candidates to up their game in outreach, campaigning, and public engagement.
