Raajneeti is a story about Indian politics. About Indian democracy. About Indian elections. Above all, it is the story of a few people who control the destiny of millions. It is the story of their unstoppable ambition, and their bitter and violent battle to achieve it. This is the story of people who understand power and know how to wield it at will.

It is the story of Bhasker Sanyal (Naseeruddin Shah), the fire brand leftist leader, as feared for his single handed ability to challenge the most powerful of leaders as he was respected for his political integrity. Until one private mistake of his hurtled him into a self imposed exile and spawned a secret consequence that shook the destiny of the political future of the state.

The film is hugely influenced by the epic story from the Indian religious history the "Mahabharat", and is set in the milieu of contemporary electoral politics.