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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."

Exploring the West Coast: A Journey to San Diego

Updated: Jan 13, 2025

Part Six

Our unforgettable journey along the West Coast took us from the vibrancy of LA to the charm of San Diego.

San Diego

The children insisted that we visit at least one other tourist destination besides Denver while we were visiting them in America. Among the options of New York and San Diego, we chose San Diego, a vibrant city on the West Coast, bordered by Mexico.


Our journey to San Diego began with a flight from Denver to Los Angeles, followed by a drive to San Diego. The flight takes approximately two and a half hours. Los Angeles, located on the West Coast, bears a striking resemblance to Mumbai! It is a bustling and beautiful city, often considered the financial hub of America due to the presence of numerous small and large industries situated north of LA. California, an immensely significant and affluent state in the West, is home to many renowned landmarks.


Bollywood in Mumbai and the globally famous Hollywood in LA are comparable in their cultural influence. California is also home to Silicon Valley, known worldwide as the headquarters of major companies like Google and Microsoft. Recently, Tesla, a renowned electric car manufacturer, made its mark in this state. Additionally, the world-famous Stanford University is located here. With its vast Pacific coastline, abundant natural beauty, spirit of innovation, and economic prosperity, California offers an incredibly captivating experience.


It is often said that where there is water, there is progress. Many of the world’s most prosperous cities are located by the coast, and San Diego is certainly one of them. The journey from Los Angeles to San Diego takes approximately two to three hours. On one side lies the vast Pacific Ocean, while on the other are stunning houses, bungalows, and hotels perched on the mountains. This route offers a marvellous blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity.


The Pacific Ocean, much deeper than other seas, meets a mountain range reminiscent of the Western Ghats. For centuries, relentless waves have struck these mountains, yet they appear to withstand this continuous assault with quiet strength. Travelling along the coast, passing beaches like Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach, is a truly refreshing experience.


One of the highlights of our journey was witnessing a breathtakingly serene sunset at Laguna Beach in the evening. The beauty of the moment compelled us to pause and savour the scene, making an intentional stop there again to take it all in.


The San Diego Zoo is often regarded as one of the finest zoos in the world. Spread over approximately 100 acres, it is a major attraction for travellers from across the globe. The zoo offers a fascinating glimpse of animals and birds from various countries, all housed in habitats that closely mimic their natural environments. The experience of exploring this zoo is truly remarkable, but given its vast size, it is almost impossible to see everything in just one day. A similar feeling of awestruck us during our visit to the aquarium.


The Oceanology Department at the University of California, San Diego, deserves special mention for its meticulous care of diverse species of fish and aquatic animals. Their commitment to maintaining the cleanliness of the environment and providing a sustainable habitat for marine life is genuinely admirable and a subject worthy of deeper study.


One of the most memorable parts of our trip was the cruise in San Diego, which quickly became one of my favourite activities. The cruise tour, coupled with an exhilarating one-hour kayaking session in the sea, was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Standing on the deck of the cruise and watching sea creatures, especially playful dolphins, was an absolute delight. On one side of the sea, the beautiful skyline of the city unfolded, while on the other side, the majestic mountains of Mexico stood tall. This scenery reminded us that we were standing at the southwestern edge of the United States, a unique meeting point of natural beauty and geographic significance.


We visited the impressive campus of the University of California, a true beacon of education. Established around 150 years ago on a sprawling 500- to 1000-acre site, the university symbolises America’s dedication to knowledge. Thousands of students from across the globe study here each year, mastering various disciplines. This grand institution is not only a centre of learning but also a testament to the American appreciation of the power of education. The creation of such a monumental Shakti Peeth of learning reflects their forward-thinking and reverence for knowledge. These individuals, true worshippers of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, also embrace Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, through the strength of intellect.


This journey gave me a profound sense of their immense thirst for knowledge, a quality evident in the libraries that populate even the smallest villages and the largest cities. Overall, the Pacific Ocean, along with the journey from Los Angeles to San Diego, left an indelible impression on my mind, making it an experience I will cherish forever.


(The author is a director of a company. He has travelled extensively across India and overseas.)

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