India, July 26 -- From folk melodies to campaign anthems, music continues shaping public perceptions of political power and leadership.Political songs can manufacture spectacle, but only the public can turn a ruler into kin.

A particular sound has gathered around Indian politicians lately, and it does not issue from party headquarters alone. On YouTube channels with a few thousand subscribers, on speakers strapped to campaign jeeps, an informal literature of praise has taken shape. A Bundeli Raai by the singer Rani Vishwakarma sets Shivraj Singh Chouhan to a folk dance rhythm and calls him "Mama," precious gold the family must not lose. A Bhojpuri number hails Yogi Adityanath as "Bulldozer Baba." A statelier register reaches for "Mohan R...