Because his voice carries weight in both business and politics. Because the new president of FICCI is also an independent Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka. Because his word counts in Karnataka’s complex politics, with his equal access to all three parties—JD(S), the Congress and BJP. Because he owns Asianet, the fastest-growing media company in south India. Because through his $1.6 billion venture firm Jupiter Capital, he has staked money in businesses of the future—regional media, logistics, transport infrastructure, aviation infrastructure, technology and hospitality.