Legal heavyweights Bansuri Swaraj of BJP and Somnath Bharti of AAP clash for New Delhi Lok Sabha seat. Witness a fierce battle as they vie for political supremacy in the heart of India’s capital. Watch as they compete for dominance in India’s capital, showcasing their prowess in legal and political arenas
New delhi: As the Lok Sabha elections near on May 25 in the national capital, voters in New Delhi have a choice between two lawyers for their constituency seat.
Bansuri Swaraj of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti will compete head-to-head for the coveted position. Swaraj, aged 40, previously practiced law and also served as Additional Advocate General of Haryana.
This election battle highlights the rarity of parliamentarians with legal backgrounds, with only 4% of MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha holding law degrees according to a 2019 study. Swaraj, known for her legal expertise, brings a notable legacy as the daughter of the late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Read Also:Delhi High Court Judges Seek Transfers
On the flip side, at 49 years old, Bharti earned his MSc from IIT Delhi in 1997 and an LLB from Delhi University, launching his legal career in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
In 2009, he advocated for Vikram Buddhi, an IITian from Mumbai detained in a US jail. Bharti entered politics with AAP, winning the Malviya Nagar seat in 2013 and later holding ministerial roles.
Re-elected in 2015, he also served as Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Jal Board. Despite facing six pending criminal cases by 2019, Bharti’s legal journey continued, including a recent conviction later suspended by the Delhi High Court.
The New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency ranks among the oldest of its seven counterparts, boasting a history of notable representatives like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, and Rajesh Khanna.
Previously held by BJP’s Meenakshi Lekhi for two terms, this constituency now sees newcomers like Swaraj and Bharti competing for success. Despite its prestige, Professor Tanvir Aeijaz from Delhi University downplays its significance but acknowledges its allure.
Aeijaz notes AAP‘s sweeping victories in New Delhi’s assembly constituencies, hinting at voter sentiments like anti-incumbency or dissatisfaction. Yet, with AAP’s leadership facing legal challenges, their candidates may encounter obstacles. Nevertheless, Aeijaz suggests this could evoke sympathy among AAP supporters, given their significant presence in Delhi.
Aeijaz remarked,
“In such cases, die-hard fans don’t easily accept such arguments unless proven,”
Read Also:Delhi High Court Upholds Tribunal Decisions: Affirms High Courts’ Writ Jurisdiction
Regarding the effectiveness of lawyers as lawmakers, Aeijaz stressed that representation goes beyond one’s profession. He emphasized,
“Representatives must act on behalf of people, not just based on legal texts,”
Aeijaz concluded,
“While skilled professionals can enhance representation, politicians may misuse their expertise for personal gain,”
In New Delhi, two legal professionals turned politicians aim to leave a lasting impact on the political scene, with every vote symbolizing public trust in the democratic process.