Not So Many Geriatrics in New Delhi Now

Researching this post - election analysis piece for Sky News.com, I am struck by the younger faces around politics in New Delhi.

Of course many of them are from political dynasties; Pilot, Abdullah, Gandhi, so politics is in their DNA, but still, no-one forces them to stand for election and in many cases they are are setting records. Omar Abdullah, 38, son of former CM Farookh, is the youngest ever Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sachin Pilot, a graduate of the Wharton Business School in Pennsylvania, became the youngest ever MP in New Delhi when he was sworn in aged 26.

The newer, younger breed of politician will bring its own dynamic to Delhi. I don't think it will be business as usual when it comes round to the next Indian elections in 2014.

What this election has shown us is that we can take nothing for granted in Indian politics. The voter still has a capacity to surprise and confound.

And with the Congress coaliton winning so many seats, it is in an strong position as far as choosing a coalition partner is concerned. This makes things simpler and easier for analysts. It is also reassuring for the West, which needs India very badly right now.