The politics of 'Independent'

I came across the news of the head of an MNC bank giving up her job and contesting the Lok Sabha elections as an independent from a constituency in Mumbai. Before her a famous dancer cum social activist and the man who pioneered low cost airlines in India had already jumped into the elections fray as independents.

So what exactly is the phenomena of Independent Candidature. Is it possible to have a completely non partisan view. Why are these high profile candidates not willing to take any sides..

In past leaders such as Maneka Gandhi have contested elections as independent, but later she went on to align with the BJP. Also rebel polticians often contest elections as 'independent', only because they have wider options after the elections. For instance ex congress man Buta Singh after winning as an Independent became a part of NDA. This time too, many senior leaders such as George Fernandes are contesting as 'Independent' candidates.

From what I understand, Independent politicians want to stay non aligned, but it is virtually impossible because they often have a backing of some political parties or the other. For example, Ram Jethmalani was backed by Congress in 2004 elections where he competed unsuccesfully against AB Vajpayee..What also is an area of concern is that no matter how accomplished one is, in his or her field, one needs a backing of a party and mentoring of senior politicians to make an impact in politics..

The independent candidates in this year's election might be very accomplished professionals..but their political skills and their political mindset cannot be gauged because they choose to stay non aligned. I dont see Mallika Sarabhai defeating LK Advani from Gandhinagar, neither can Ms. Sanyal make a mark in Mumbai.

I have never understood the need of Independent Candidates at all and I guess a majority of the nation has never been able to understand that. May be this is the reason why only 5 out of 2385 independent candidates were able to win in 2004.