Somnath Bharti: An Astute Politician Vying For Fourth Term In Malviya Nagar

Malviya Nagar, a prominent urban constituency in South Delhi, has long been under the stronghold of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), thanks to the consistent performance of Advocate Somnath Bharti, one of the well-known faces of the party. As he campaigns for a fourth term, Bharti faces stiff competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Satish Upadhyay and Congress’ Jitendra Kumar Kochar, both seasoned politicians eager to challenge AAP’s dominance.
Somnath Bharti, who is famous for his organisational qualities, born in 1974 in Nawada, Bihar, is a lawyer-turned-politician who has been associated with the AAP since its inception. After earning an MSc in Mathematics from IIT Delhi and an LLB from Delhi University, Bharti embarked on a career in law, practising in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court. His legal work often focused on public interest litigation, addressing issues of social and civic importance. He also founded a law firm, Bharti & Associates.

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Bharti’s political journey began with his involvement in Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement, which eventually led to the formation of the AAP. In the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, he won the Malviya Nagar seat and was appointed the Minister for Law, Administrative Reforms, and Art & Culture in Arvind Kejriwal’s government, which lasted 49 days. He secured his position again in the 2015 elections with a larger mandate, as AAP swept 67 out of 70 seats. In 2020, Bharti retained his seat, defeating BJP and Congress candidates with a significant vote share.
As a politician, Bharti has been known for his grassroots connect and focus on local development, attributes that have resonated well with the residents of Malviya Nagar. His tenure has seen initiatives aimed at improving civic amenities, education, and public safety. Bharti has also introduced innovative communication channels like “mohalla groups” on WhatsApp to stay connected with his constituents, addressing their grievances promptly.

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However, Bharti’s political career has not been without controversies. Early in his tenure, he was accused of vigilantism during a raid in Khirki Extension, where he allegedly led a mob to address complaints of illegal activities involving African nationals. The incident drew widespread criticism, with allegations of racism and misuse of authority. Bharti defended his actions, stating they were in response to residents’ complaints, but the controversy left a blemish on his record.
Another significant controversy involved allegations of domestic violence by his wife in 2015. While Bharti was initially arrested, the Delhi High Court cleared him of all charges in 2019, noting that the couple had reconciled. Additionally, he has faced accusations of evidence tampering and was briefly sentenced in 2021 for leading an unlawful assembly at AIIMS Delhi. Bharti has consistently denied wrongdoing, attributing these incidents to political vendettas.
Despite these challenges, Bharti’s track record in Malviya Nagar remains strong, with many voters acknowledging his efforts to improve infrastructure and public services. His role as Vice Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board and other key positions in legislative committees underscores his influence within the AAP and his contribution to Delhi’s governance.

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As the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections approach, Bharti’s campaign focuses on continuity and progress, emphasising his vision for a better Malviya Nagar. His opponents, however, are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to unseat him. BJP’s Satish Upadhyay, a seasoned strategist, and Congress’ Jitendra Kumar Kochar, a grassroots leader, are mounting aggressive campaigns, highlighting issues they claim Bharti has neglected.
The Malviya Nagar constituency, known for its educated electorate and vibrant civic life, will play a crucial role in determining the political landscape of South Delhi. With 719 candidates contesting across 70 constituencies in Delhi, the competition is fierce. As Bharti seeks a fourth term, the voters of Malviya Nagar will weigh his achievements against his controversies, making this election a closely watched contest.
The Election Commission has announced that polling will take place on February 5, with candidates having until January 20 to withdraw their nominations.