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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."

Budapest: Where Christmas Lights Meet Timeless History

Part 2 – Continuing our European journey, we found Budapest to be a remarkable blend of history, architecture, healing traditions, and warm culture.

After Austria’s beautiful Christmas markets and glittering winter landscapes, we began the next leg of our journey—Budapest. This city has always fascinated me. Formed by the merger of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest in 1873, it is now a remarkable blend of history, architecture, healing traditions, and warm culture.


Budapest is known for many things: its famous thermal baths fed by more natural springs than any other capital, the world’s second-oldest metro system, and its iconic ruin bars in abandoned buildings. It also boasts Europe’s largest synagogue, a vast underground cave system, and is the birthplace of the Rubik’s Cube.


Yet beneath its beauty lies a painful past. During World War II, Hungary suffered under the Arrow Cross Party, whose brutal anti-Semitic ideology mirrored that of the Nazis. The most moving reminder is the Shoes on the Danube Bank—60 pairs of iron shoes marking where countless Jews were executed after being forced to remove their footwear. Standing before those silent shoes was deeply affecting, a reminder that travel isn’t only about beauty but also about remembering.


After the fall of the Soviet Bloc, Hungary slowly regained its freedom and identity. Today, like Latvia and Estonia, it remains more affordable than many Western European countries, making it an appealing destination for travellers.


Heart of Budapest

After wrapping up our Austrian adventure, we travelled by coach and checked into our central Budapest hotel. Everyone was excited—Budapest captivates you instantly. Without wasting time, we headed out for an evening walk to St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market, often voted the best in Europe.

It was magical—twinkling lights, wooden stalls, Christmas music, and the basilica standing like a silent guardian. We loved it so much we promised to return the next day—and we did!


We also explored the lively Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, Budapest’s oldest. Another highlight was the 3D light show at St Stephen’s Basilica, which made the basilica come alive. Hungry from all the walking, we treated ourselves to the famous Hungarian chimney cake (Kürtőskalács) before stopping for photos at the majestic Parliament building.


Finally, a peaceful walk along the Danube brought us back to our hotel, our tired feet reminding us that Budapest is a city best explored slowly and lovingly.


Night on the Danube

The next morning, despite the cold, we visited Budapest’s iconic thermal baths. Stepping into the steaming pools while the chilly air brushed our faces felt surreal—just the winter magic we needed. Relaxing and believed to have medicinal benefits, it was easy to see why locals love them.


In the afternoon, we browsed the vibrant Christmas shops on Váci Street and enjoyed a delicious local lunch at the Central Market Hall, a historic space filled with handmade goods and traditional Hungarian food.


Our evening was the highlight: a Danube River cruise under a sky of Christmas lights. The illuminated Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge shimmering like gold—none of us could stop smiling. It was one of those moments you tuck away in your heart forever.


Day Trip to Szentendre

The next day, we took a short trip to the charming riverside town of Szentendre. With its art galleries, craft shops, and colourful architecture, it felt like stepping into a Christmas storybook. We were delighted to find the Szentendre Christmas Village—a small, artistic market with handmade chocolates, pottery, candles, and local crafts.


Every corner felt warm and inviting. By evening, we returned to Budapest, grateful for the unexpected beauty this little town had shared with us.


That night, as I lay in bed, a thought crossed my mind: the more you explore the world, the more you realise how endless its wonders are.


Heartfelt Goodbye

Soon, it was time to say goodbye to Hungary. We returned to Vienna, spent a night at our hotel, relaxed at Café Sacher, and then made our way to Vienna International Airport for our flight back to India.


As I reflected on our journey, a few memories shone brightest: Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn in Vienna; the Cathedral and Fortress markets in Salzburg; St Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square in Budapest; the warm thermal baths; the twinkling Christmas trams; and the sweet tradition of “Jézuska” (Baby Jesus) bringing gifts on Christmas Eve.


As a Maharashtrian girl raised in a Hindu family, Christmas wasn’t something I grew up celebrating. Yet I always wished to experience its true essence. Working as a tour leader and travelling with curious, enthusiastic people has turned that quiet wish into a beautiful reality—again and again.


May this journey continue—and may you join me on the next chapter of Europe’s magical Christmas trail!


(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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