Barthwal started his political career as a student leader who was a staunch admirer of the legendary Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna.
He studied at Gandhi Inter College, Raipur. He completed his graduation from DBS (PG) College in 1974-75. He had completed MAs in Economics, History and Political Science.
In 1980, he became the secretary of the students’ union in DAV (PG) College. In 1982, he was elected president of the students’ union while he was doing llB from the same college. He fought two elections for MlC in UP. He lost on both occasions, first by 80 votes and second by four votes.
His losing spree in electoral politics continued as he contested and lost from Mussoorie Assembly constituency in 1985.
However, he remained a redoubtable organisational man thanks to his hold over the rank and file of the party and his political acumen. His political sagacity and unerring reading of developing situations stood his party in good stead during the crises it faced before and after Utarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh.
In 1989, he became Janta Dal general secretary in Uttar Pradesh. He was one of the founder members of the Samajvadi Party which was formed in 1990.
In 1991, he became SP’s general secretary. The same year, he became the State Export Corporation’s president.
In 2000, he was made president of Uttarakhand SP. Since then, he remained the party’s points man in the State. Party leaders said the party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav used to consult Barthwal on every important issue pertaining to the State.
“Though he had received drubbing in electoral politics repeatedly he had his standing within the party intact because of his scholarship, dedication and political sagacity. The party has lost a dedicated, scholarly and insightful leader the like of which we are unlikely to get in near future,” said a senior State SP leader Murari Yadav.