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By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

Ideology, Illusion, and the Politics of Power

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi greets supporters during a roadshow ahead of the Kerala assembly polls, in Kozhikode district on Tuesday. | Pic: PTI New Delhi:  At a critical electoral juncture in Kerala, the political contest being waged in the name of ideology appears less about public welfare and more like a renewed struggle for the division of power. Kerala's electoral battle exposes contradictions between ideology and alliances, as BJP, Congress, and Left trade...

Ideology, Illusion, and the Politics of Power

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi greets supporters during a roadshow ahead of the Kerala assembly polls, in Kozhikode district on Tuesday. | Pic: PTI New Delhi:  At a critical electoral juncture in Kerala, the political contest being waged in the name of ideology appears less about public welfare and more like a renewed struggle for the division of power. Kerala's electoral battle exposes contradictions between ideology and alliances, as BJP, Congress, and Left trade accusations while prioritizing power, leaving voters questioning credibility, governance plans, and commitment to justice.   At the national level, the Congress and the Left position themselves as opponents of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yet before the public, they often appear equally eager to undercut one another. In Parliament, they join hands to bring no-confidence motions and accuse the government of misusing investigative agencies. However, at the state level, this coordination is conspicuously absent. In Kerala, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged a nexus between the CPI(M) and the SDPI, even hinting at tacit understandings between the BJP and the Left. Meanwhile, LDF Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has dismissed these claims as "entirely baseless."   This persistent friction reinforces the impression that ideology has become largely symbolic, while the real contest revolves around consolidating vote banks and securing seats. The Left, invoking the language of "pragmatic alliances," signals readiness to align with the Congress at the national level. Yet in Kerala, it faces accusations of straying from its foundational principles, even as it projects itself as the principal alternative to the BJP.   Conspiracy factor Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly asserted in his campaign rallies that this election is a contest between two ideologies-the Left and the UDF. Yet, he claims, for the first time there is an "unprecedented partnership" emerging between the Left and the BJP. He alleges that the CPI(M) can be easily controlled by the BJP, whereas the Congress-led UDF would not play into its hands. Such assertions risk creating the impression that ideological confrontation has now given way to a politics of expedient compromises.   On the other hand, CM Pinarayi Vijayan firmly maintains that his party neither seeks support from the SDPI nor engages in any covert understanding with communal forces. He portrays the Left Democratic Front as a formation grounded in "clear ideological principles" and resolutely opposed to communal politics. The contradiction here is striking that just as the BJP accuses the Congress and the Left of collusion, the Congress and the Left, in turn, level similar charges of "compromise" against each other.   Confused Electorate In Kerala's electoral theatre, PM Modi has branded both the UDF and the LDF as "each other's B team," while projecting the BJP as the only genuine "A team." His argument rests on the claim that the state has, for decades, been trapped between two traditional power blocs, one corrupt and the other allegedly even more so. He contends that both alliances have deceived the public through vote-bank politics, whereas the BJP now promises to "expose" their corruption and deliver "justice."   The larger question remains, when the Left and the Congress join hands in Parliament to oppose the BJP, is their unity rooted in a principled stand against the ruling party BJP/NDA, or is it merely political theatre calibrated for electoral convenience? If both claim to be ideologically committed formations, what justifies their readiness to confront each other in the states and often aggressively over vote banks?   Real Issues At the national level, the Left often raises its voice on substantive constitutional and economic questions; corruption, public debt, privatization, and decentralization. Yet, in the heat of elections, these very debates are reduced to the arithmetic of vote banks and seat shares. The BJP, as the ruling party, seeks to anchor its campaign in development metrics, flagship projects like the Vizhinjam Port, and symbolic initiatives such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, presenting them as tangible achievements before the electorate. The opposition, in turn, attempts to recast these same initiatives as narratives of "debt" and "plunder."

Bhutan: Where Happiness is a Way of Life

From misty mountains to fluttering prayer flags, every corner whispers peace.

Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan feels like a place where time slows down and life breathes in harmony with nature. Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon", Bhutan is not just a destination—it is an experience that touches the heart deeply.


Geographically, Bhutan is a small, landlocked country bordered by India to the south and China to the north. Its terrain ranges from subtropical plains to snow-covered Himalayan peaks, offering breathtaking landscapes at every turn.


The pristine environment is protected by strict conservation policies, making Bhutan one of the world’s only carbon-negative countries.


Easy for Indians

One of the most beautiful aspects of Bhutan lies in its unique relationship with India. The bond between the two nations is warm, respectful, and deeply rooted in history.


India is Bhutan’s closest ally, supporting its economic growth, infrastructure, and development. For Indian citizens, this relationship translates into ease of travel—no visa is required, and Indian currency is widely accepted alongside Bhutan’s official currency, the Ngultrum. The near-equal value of both currencies makes travel financially comfortable and convenient.


The best time to visit Bhutan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During spring, the valleys bloom with vibrant rhododendrons, while autumn offers clear skies and stunning mountain views. Festivals, known as Tshechus, are held during these seasons, bringing the country alive with masked dances, music, and spiritual celebrations.


Bhutan is home to some of the most mesmerising places in the Himalayas. The capital city, Thimphu, blends tradition with modernity, offering monasteries, markets, and cultural sites. Paro is famous for the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside—a sight that leaves every traveller in awe. Punakha, with its stunning Punakha Dzong, offers a serene blend of history and natural beauty.


Sharing Humanity

It was during a quiet morning in Paro that Bhutan revealed its true essence to me. As I began the steep hike towards Tiger’s Nest, I noticed an elderly monk slowly making his way up the same path. His steps were unhurried, his face calm, and in his hands, he carried a small prayer wheel. At one resting point, I sat beside him, catching my breath, while he simply smiled. Without a word, he offered me a sip of butter tea from his flask. That simple gesture—so pure, so unassuming—felt like a silent lesson. In that moment, surrounded by mountains and prayer flags, I realised Bhutan isn’t about reaching destinations; it is about sharing humanity, even in silence. That brief encounter stayed with me far longer than any photograph ever could.


Bhutanese cuisine is simple yet bold in flavour. The national dish, Ema Datshi, is a fiery mix of chillies and cheese that reflects the country’s love for spice. Meals are often organic, wholesome, and deeply connected to the land.


What truly defines Bhutan, however, is its people. The Bhutanese are known for their warmth, humility, and deep sense of contentment. Their lifestyle is rooted in tradition, with most people wearing national attire—a gho for men and a kira for women. Life here is guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, prioritising well-being over material wealth.


Domestic animals play a vital role in Bhutanese daily life. Yaks, cows, and horses are not just livestock but companions that support agriculture, transportation, and livelihoods in mountainous regions. In high-altitude areas, yaks provide milk, wool, and fuel, becoming indispensable to survival.


Spirituality forms the soul of Bhutan. Monasteries, or dzongs, are not just architectural marvels but centres of faith and community life. The presence of monks chanting prayers, the scent of incense, and the sight of prayer wheels create a deeply calming atmosphere.


Travelling to Bhutan is not just about seeing new places—it is about feeling a different way of life. For Indian travellers, the journey becomes even more special due to the ease of access, currency advantage, and cultural familiarity. Yet, Bhutan still feels wonderfully different—quieter, purer, and more mindful.


In a world that constantly rushes forward, Bhutan gently reminds us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the present. It is not just a destination on a map but a place that stays in your heart long after you leave.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)


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