India's new breed of politicians

Billionaire candidate: Nilekani is running for office for the first time, and his declaration of assets to the Election Commission will affirm the known fact that he is the richest candidate in the fray. - EPA

As India heads towards general elections, candidates with no political background will throw down the most serious challenge yet to the establishment.

IN Indian politics, as is generally the way of the world, old men died and the young filled their places. But the typical politician has not changed beyond recognition over the decades. He is still mostly a he; a relic and beneficiary of village values even when he lives in the heart of a city, who correctly identifies modernity as his archenemy; a practical man of ordinary intellect who is perceived to be corrupt, even dangerous.