Sushant Singh Rajput’s cousin enters Bihar poll battle: CPML fields Divya Gautam

In a significant development ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML(L)) has announced Divya Gautam — cousin of the late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput — as its candidate from the Digha constituency in Patna district.

The announcement comes even as the INDIA bloc (the alliance of opposition parties) continues to finalise seat-sharing arrangements for the polls. Gautam is slated to formally file her nomination papers on October 15.

A native of Patna, Divya Gautam’s entry into politics has drawn immediate media attention, both for her familial connection and her local roots.

She is an alumna of Patna Women’s College and holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication from Patna University.

Earlier, she served as an assistant professor in the same university before securing a government post as a supply inspector via the Bihar Public Service Commission.

However, Gautam resigned from her government job to engage actively in social work and grassroots activities in Patna.

Supporters believe her candidacy may help galvanise women voters and young constituents in Digha.

It is worth noting that Sushant Singh Rajput’s family has long resided in the area under the umbrella of Digha constituency, adding resonance to her candidature.

Some analysts suggest that leveraging this local and emotional connection may be part of CPI(ML) strategy to create voter sympathy.

Political contest and stakes

The Digha seat is currently held by Sanjeev Chaurasia of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who is viewed as a formidable contender.

CPI-ML’s candidate roster also includes Rambali Yadav (Ghosi, Jehanabad), Madan Singh Chandravanshi (Tarari, Bhojpur), Shiv Prakash Ranjan (Agiaon), and Qayamuddin Ansari (Ara).

As parties scramble to firm up alliances, the decision to project Gautam is being seen as a bold move by the Left to assert a fresh face in a high-visibility constituency. With the Election Commission’s deadline for nominations approaching, the campaign in Digha is likely to intensify swiftly.