Sushant Singh Rajput's Cousin Divya Gautam Maintains Political Independence While Running for Bihar Assembly Elections

Sushant Singh Rajput's cousin Divya Gautam was speaking to NDTV

Patna:

The late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's cousin and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation's Divya Gautam, who is running as the Opposition's candidate from Bihar's Digha constituency in the upcoming assembly elections, emphasized on Tuesday that she has "never used his name in her politics".

In an interview with NDTV following the announcement of her candidacy, Gautam, who is both a theatre artist and former All India Students' Association (AISA) leader, expressed gratitude that people recognize her connection to Rajput while maintaining professional boundaries.

"I am a theatre artist. I perform a play on his birthday every year. But I don't want to use his name in my politics," she stated emotionally as she became tearful while remembering the actor, who was discovered deceased in his Mumbai apartment in June 2020.

"I don't want to colour his name the way other political parties want to do," Gautam clarified, adding that she refrained from leveraging Rajput's popularity even during her students' union election campaign.

"I cannot deny being Sushant Singh Rajput's cousin. People recognize me through his name. I am grateful for that," she acknowledged.

She highlighted that Rajput achieved fame through his dedicated work ethic rather than through nepotism.

"That is how I am also working," stated Gautam, who previously served as an assistant professor at Patna College and worked as a supply inspector within Bihar government's food and consumer protection department.

She reflected that Rajput taught them the importance of living with passion and purpose.

Regarding the forthcoming Bihar elections, she dismissed reports of discord within the opposition alliance.

She assured that everything was proceeding smoothly within the 'Mahagathbandhan' coalition.

"You will hopefully get the final list of candidates by this evening," she informed.

Criticizing her opponent, she pointed out numerous issues plaguing the Digha constituency, currently represented by BJP's two-term MLA Sanjeev Chaurasiya, including persistent waterlogging, inadequate street lighting, and severe traffic congestion.

"There is anger among the public. They want a change, and I am here for the change," she declared confidently.

When questioned about whether corruption allegations against her ally and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav might influence the Bihar elections, she expressed doubt about any significant impact.

The Bihar assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11.