Bihar election: CPI-ML fields Sushant Singh Rajput's cousin Divya Gautam from Digha seat

Divya Gautam

Late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s cousin Divya Gautam has been fielded by the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) as its candidate from Digha assembly constituency in Patna district for the upcoming Bihar polls.

Gautam is scheduled to file her nomination on Wednesday, October 15, a spokesperson of the CPI-ML told Times of India.

Part of the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance for Bihar -- which also includes the RJD and Congress -- the CPI-ML has begun its election preparations.

Although the opposition front hasn’t finalised its seat-sharing formula, several smaller partners have gone ahead and declared candidates for seats they anticipate receiving.

Who is Divya Gautam?

-Divya Gautam is the cousin of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who passed away in Mumbai in the year 2020.

-She cleared the 64th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination was alloted the post of supply inspector in the Bihar government.

-During her time at Patna University, Divya was associated with the All India Students’ Association (AISA), the student organisation of the CPI(ML)L, and contested the 2012 students’ union elections, securing the second position, according to a Deccan Herald report. Having completed her master’s and qualified the UGC-NET, she is currently pursuing a PhD.

-She has been fielded from Digha assembly constituency, the seat which is currently held by BJP MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia. Sanjeev is the son of Ganga Prasad, the former governor of Sikkim and Meghalaya.

-Divya Gautam’s political debut has sparked interest both for her familial links and her hands-on engagement with civic and social issues in Patna. Observers believe her presence on the ballot could strike a chord with women and first-time voters in Digha.

Bihar Assembly polls

Assembly polls in Bihar will be held in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the counting of votes to take place on November 14, according to the Election Commission of India.