Rajesh Shukla of the NCAER and Sunil Jain find in their analysis of wealth declared by Indian politicians that MLAs from poorer states such as Bihar, U.P. and Madhya Pradesh are not as poor as their fellow state citizens are. For example, Bihar's per capita income is a fifth that of Maharashtra, but its MLAs are only a fraction less rich than Maharahstra MLAs - just 10% less rich.

Incidentally, Lalloo Yadav from Bihar says he only owns a 1990 model Maruti and his young, still unemployed sons are worth crores of rupees. Go figure.

Sunil Jain's suggestion:

When the politician comes to you for your vote, ask her/him how rich she/he is.

Read the whole story in Business Standard for more interesting stuff about our representatives.