In the last 5 years, Karnataka has borne the brunt of a cabinet and an assembly packed with builders, miners and industrialists. Large numbers of ministers and MLAs were charged for land grab, illegal mining and shady business deals. But rather than weed them out in the upcoming elections, political parties have given tickets to all the tainted and fielded even more candidates with vested interests. From the sugar barons of North Karnataka to the real estate dons of Bangalore's sprawling suburbs, we meet the men who will decide the fate of Karnataka, and ask whether one of India's most advanced states is turning into a republic of builders.
