Santosh Bhartiya is an Indian journalist, author, film producer, and former politician. He served as a member of 9th Lok Sabha on the symbol of Janata Dal from Farrukhabad Lok Sabha constituency. He is the author of "V.P Singh, Chandrashekhar, Sonia Gandhi & Me", "Kamzor Duniya Ka Rasta", and "Nishane Par".
In July 2021, Bhartiya was identified as one of the potential targets of surveillance in the Pegasus spyware scandal, where journalists, activists, and political figures were reportedly monitored using spyware developed by Israel's NSO Group.
Biography.
He began his journalism career with "Ravivaar" in the late 1970s and later joined The Telegraph in 1985. In 1986, he founded "Chauthi Duniya", the first Hindi weekly of its kind. Bhartiya was also instrumental in launching Jain TV, India's first private news channel.
Bhartiya was among those targeted in the Pegasus spyware scandal, a controversy involving the use of spyware developed by Israel’s NSO Group to monitor the phones of journalists, activists, and political figures. The scandal raised significant concerns over privacy and surveillance in India.
Career.
Political.
Santosh Bhartiya served as a Member of Parliament in the 9th Lok Sabha, representing the Farrukhabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh, where he defeated Salman Khurshid.
Writing.
Bhartiya is the editor-in-chief of "Chauthi Duniya," the first weekly newspaper in Hindi.
Bhartiya wrote the book "VP Singh, Chandrashekhar, Sonia Gandhi aur Mein". Bhartiya reflects on his close associations with V.P. Singh and Chandrashekhar, recounting critical events during their tenures as Prime Ministers, as well as the political strategies and challenges they faced.
Bhartiya has also produced films such as "Hogaya Dimaag Ka Dahi, Fatso, and Bhaiyyaji Superhit."