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| India's Prime Minister Blankets the Nation in Cardboard Cutouts |
Across the vibrant tapestry of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is having a moment. Not just a metaphorical one, mind you, but a literal one. Everywhere you turn, his visage smiles down from brightly painted cutouts, a cardboard companion gracing train stations, airports, monuments, and parks. These aren't your average campaign posters, though. These are the "3-D selfie points," the latest twist in Indian politics, blurring the lines between governance and self-promotion.
At a bustling New Delhi park, 18-year-old Muzzamil Raza beams, his arm draped around a cutout of Modi flanked by towering electricity pylons. "Everyone wants selfies with celebrities," he declares, "and for me, he's the biggest one." The government spins these displays as heartwarming testimonials to India's progress. One features Modi next to a rocket, celebrating the space program's achievements. Another showcases him beside a beaming schoolgirl studying under a lightbulb, symbolizing rural electrification.
But not everyone's buying the charm offensive. Akash Ujjainwal, tasked with guarding a cutout, has witnessed firsthand the passionate displays of affection. Admirers drape arms around the cardboard Modi, leading to repairs for cracked boards. "Respect him," Ujjainwal admonishes, "he's the Prime Minister."
Yet, 21-year-old Aman Punia scoffs as he passes a selfie point. "What good is this pomp and show?" he asks, frustrated by a lack of jobs for young graduates. "It's just a fake showcase of Modi's government."
And therein lies the controversy. Critics like Punia see these cardboard companions as blatant misuse of public funds for political gain. Over 800 selfie points, erected within months, raised eyebrows. A court petition challenged the legality, arguing that using officials and public resources for a partisan campaign is inappropriate. With national elections looming, the timing is suspect. Modi's BJP party is a frontrunner, and his personal popularity fuels their campaign.
"It's about using public resources for a political campaign disguised as a government program," asserts Pranav Sachdeva, lawyer for the petitioners. The government counters, claiming these displays raise awareness about public programs and lack any party insignia.
So, is this simply a harmless campaign gimmick, or a calculated exercise in self-aggrandizement? The answer might lie in the eyes of the beholder, or rather, the lens of their selfie camera. While some embrace the cardboard camaraderie, others see it as a symptom of a larger disconnect between government and its people. As India heads towards elections, the selfie points stand as a curious snapshot of a nation grappling with its image, both virtual and real.
