Divya Gautam, a 34-year-old academic, social activist, and theatre artist from Patna, has emerged as a compelling new face in Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections. Fielded by the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPI(ML)-L) from the Digha constituency, she embodies a rare blend of intellectual rigor, grassroots commitment, and cultural passion.
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Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Born to Bhupendra Kumar Singh and the late Lalita Singh, Divya faced the loss of her mother at 26—a personal tragedy that galvanized her resolve to serve society. After excelling at Delhi Public School, Patna, she graduated top of her class in Journalism and Mass Communication at Patna College. She then earned a master’s in Women’s Studies from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad, and another in Journalism from Nalanda Open University. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Gender and Communication at BITS Pilani.
Educational and Research Career
Divya joined Patna Women’s College as an Assistant Professor of Mass Communication, mentoring students to critically engage with media and society. Between 2018 and 2020, she was a Junior Research Fellow at the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training, Ministry of Culture, documenting tribal folk dances in Jharkhand. Her publications include studies on subaltern masculinities and women’s representation in regional media. As a columnist for leading Hindi dailies, she has written extensively on gender justice and cultural identity.
Choosing Activism Over Bureaucracy
After clearing the prestigious BPSC exam in 2018 and briefly serving as a Supply Inspector, Divya resigned to focus on social work and research. “I wanted to work directly with communities, not from behind a desk,” she explained. She then took roles in government livelihood initiatives and election awareness programs, honing her skills in communication and grassroots mobilization.
Theatre and Cultural Engagement
A committed theatre artist, Divya uses the stage to voice social issues. She is currently developing a Hamlet production in tribute to her late cousin, actor Sushant Singh Rajput, reflecting her belief in art as a catalyst for change.
Political Awakening and Student Leadership
Her political journey began with the All India Students’ Association (AISA) at Patna College. In 2012, she ran for Patna University Students’ Union president, finishing runner-up. That campaign taught her about the influence of money and power in politics, deepening her commitment to principled activism. She later joined Nirbhaya protests and worked with women’s rights groups in urban slums, building her reputation as a grassroots advocate.
The Digha Candidacy
On October 15, 2025, Divya filed her nomination from Digha, Bihar’s largest assembly constituency with over 400,000 voters. She faces BJP incumbent Sanjeev Chaurasia, focusing her campaign on chronic waterlogging, inadequate street lighting, traffic congestion, youth unemployment, and women’s safety. “People want change, and I am here for that change,” she declares.
Despite her high-profile family connection, Divya insists her candidacy stands on her own record. “I don’t want to use Sushant’s name in my politics,” she affirms, seeking recognition for her own work and vision.
If elected, Divya plans to champion social and economic justice, women’s empowerment, educational reform, and employment generation. She remains committed to completing her PhD and advancing cultural initiatives. Her dual identity as scholar and activist symbolizes a new, issue-driven political culture in Bihar—one where youth, education, and grassroots engagement replace patronage and personality politics.
As Bihar heads to the polls on November 6 and 11, 2025, Divya Gautam’s campaign in Digha offers a glimpse of a changing political landscape, where integrity, intellect, and activism converge to shape the state’s future.
