They are considered Robin Hoods by some, and dons and mafiosi by others. They are elected
democratically. But they survive through the power of their bullets. They are the Baahubali politicians
of the world's largest democracy-India.
Across the country and over the decades, there have been people who either got into politics
through money and muscle power or gained either or both after their entry into politics. Their
careers have been pockmarked with criminal activity, and they have not hesitated to use their muscle
and money power to get ahead. Nearly all of them have been imprisoned at some point in their
lives-and quite a few are still serving prison terms or awaiting justice. Based on research and
reportage, this book brings to the readers the origin, rise and fall of Baahubali politicians across
the country-from Arun Gawli to Raja Bhaiya and from Mohammad Shahabuddin to Mukhtar
Ansari and many more... Through their stories the author shows how money and muscle power
continue to exert a malignant infl¬uence on politics in India.