This book investigates the systemic relationship between political finance and the democratic process in India, specifically questioning why electoral costs continue to escalate despite regulatory efforts. The authors, Devesh Kapur and Milan Vaishnav, utilize their expertise in political economy and South Asian studies to synthesize extensive fieldwork, original survey data, and institutional analysis. They argue that the current financial landscape of Indian elections is not merely a byproduct of corruption but a structural feature of the nation's political development and regulatory environment.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of capital and governance in the world's largest democracy. Readers frequently note the rigorous data analysis and the clarity with which the authors navigate the complex, often opaque, financial structures of Indian political campaigns.