[2] and was Associate Minister of Persons with Disabilities in the cabinet of Jim Prentice.

Bhardwaj ran 2012 provincial election as an incumbent PC candidate, winning a second term on April 23, 2012.

[3] In March 2015, Bhardwaj was accused of offering a $10,000 bribe to prevent other candidates from challenging him in an election, however he was later cleared of any wrongdoing by an internal PC Party investigation,[4] and the Edmonton Police Service closed their investigation without laying any charges.

[5] At the time of the allegations, Rachel Notley, leader of the Alberta New Democratic Party, requested that Bhardwaj step down and submit to an investigation.

[6] In March 2015, Bhardwaj withdrew his name as a candidate for the 2015 general election, however he maintained his innocence in the matter in public statements.