Somnath Bharti

Somnath Bharti, born on 10 May 1974 in Hisua, Bihar, is a prominent Indian politician and lawyer. His early life, influenced by his spiritual father and school teacher mother, instilled in him a deep concern for the disadvantaged. After a challenging academic journey, he earned an M.Sc. from IIT Delhi (1997) and an LLB from Delhi University. During his student years in Delhi, he faced considerable hardship, even residing temporarily at a Gurdwara. He supported himself by tutoring, demonstrating a particular aptitude for mathematics.



Bharti's initial career path included coaching and entrepreneurship, but his passion for public service led him to law. He practices at the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court, focusing on public interest litigation (PILs). Notable PILs include advocating for an IIT student incarcerated in the US, challenging alleged irregularities in IIT entrance exams, and defending the rights of homeschooled children. He also played a crucial role in securing the release of youth wrongly accused in the aftermath of the Nirbhaya protests.



Recognising the limitations of judicial intervention, Bharti transitioned to politics. He met Arvind Kejriwal in 2010 and became a founding member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2012. Elected from Malviya Nagar in 2013, he served as Delhi's Law Minister, initiating significant reforms. Re-elected in 2015 with a resounding majority, he chose to focus on constituency service rather than a ministerial position.



Bharti champions a "spiritualisation of politics," aiming to serve selflessly. He prioritises accessibility and direct engagement with his constituents through initiatives like decentralised "Mohalla Sabhas," "Meal with MLA," and "Spend a day with your MLA." He believes in transparent governance and fostering a culture of service in politics. A dedicated IIT Delhi alumnus, he has served in various capacities within the Alumni Association, receiving the OCND Award in 2017 for his contributions to national development.