So much so that DMK is called the sticker party, at least among the well informed.
This is probably the most representative i can find online
A picture goes very far than any words.
A lot of new schemes are introduced by this govt, and there is a tendency in Indian politics to show or lap up to those currently in power.
So its not like this person is demanding a photo be put, but lackeys will do it anyway.
Also, the govt structure is different than in the US. The administrative department is under the control of politicians. So you have this effect. A byproduct of colonial government. In the US, the birth of US was marked by rejection of British.
In India, it was not the rejection of British, but, a good faith handshake goodbye that marked the birth of it.
Believe me. The moment the govt changes, the pics will change, or be removed.
It's tiring to be subject to the constant narcissism. The human toll of the incompetence of this government is incalculable. They've set us back decades, if not forever, because I have no clue how our dumb bureaucracy and spineless civil society are going to deal with destruction that climate change is likely to visit on the subcontinent without completely fragmenting.
Modi mastered it -- more than others. I went to India recently, every Gas Station has a big ass banner of Modi about some LPG scheme. I mean, if every web site bothers you think about this on a road trip.
You can do cult as long as you competently deliver but when things don't go your way, the posters will remind people of him and his failure -- it is a double edged sword. A blunt instrument of propping image.
There have been efforts to bring forth a coalition of smaller regional parties to amalgamate into a third national contender, but these efforts have not been very successful.
By the way , I loved the press conference (https://youtu.be/NaMUQQtlrNA?t=296) of the minister (seems well informed atleast from the way he spoke - may be good secretaries , still)
The sheer scale and ubiquity is definitely very new. It's even more pronounced now than compared to his first term.
> seems well informed atleast from the way he spoke
Well, he did study electronics and communication engineering.
I imagine a number of the % of public tax payers who are ardent Hinduists are probably quite happy to see Modi's mug on things. He's their guy, after all.
I know the answer. Just unbelievable self-promotion at public tax payer expense.
Is there a similar case elsewhere in any other democracy that's comparable.