The Septa: 7 controversies surrounding three-time Malviya Nagar MLA and AAP leader Somnath Bharti

A lawyer by profession and three-time MLA from Delhi’s Malviya Nagar Somnath Bharti is set to contest against Bansuri Swaraj from New Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections. Though he is a long-term trusted aide of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal but has been embroiled in several controversies throughout his political career.

Here are some of the controversies that took him to the headlines:

Domestic Abuse Allegations

In 2015, Bharti's wife filed a complaint against him, accusing him of domestic violence and harassment. She alleged physical abuse and verbal threats. This controversy tarnished his image and raised questions about his conduct as a public figure.

Raid on African Women

Perhaps the most infamous controversy involving Bharti was the midnight raid incident in Khirki Extension, Delhi, in 2014. As the Law Minister of Delhi at the time, Bharti led a vigilante-style raid targeting African women, accusing them of being involved in a drug and prostitution racket. The incident was widely condemned as racist and xenophobic, drawing criticism from various quarters, including human rights organizations and diplomatic circles.

Illegal Construction

Bharti has faced allegations of illegal construction at his residence in Delhi. Reports emerged suggesting that he had carried out unauthorized construction work, violating building norms. Such allegations have raised questions about his adherence to the law and regulatory standards.

The Spitting Incident

In 2014, Bharti sparked controversy when he spit on the faces of BJP leader Arun Jaitley and senior lawyer Harish Salve, which according to the sources, was in response to their criticism of the AAP government for their unilateral action against foreign nationals and holding a dharna outside Rail Bhawan.

War of Words with Law Secretary

Just a few days after taking charge as Delhi’s law minister Somnath Bharti asked for a meeting with all the district judges, which was strongly opposed by A S Yadav, law secretary of Delhi government. Yadav reasoned that since the judiciary and the executive branch were autonomous, it would not be appropriate to call such a conference and that the Delhi High Court should be consulted instead. However, Bharti is said to have instructed Yadav to fall in line.

Strained Relations within AAP

Bharti has had a history of strained relations with some members of his party, AAP. Internal conflicts and differences of opinion have surfaced on multiple occasions, leading to speculation about his standing within the party and his ability to work collaboratively with fellow party members.

Tampering with evidence

Somnath Bharti was also surrounded by allegations of tampering with evidence in a case he was handling as a lawyer but he has denied the allegations. 

Despite these controversies, Bharti has continued to remain active in politics, albeit with a tarnished reputation in the eyes of many. His actions and statements have often sparked debate and criticism, highlighting the complexities of contemporary Indian politics.