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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."

Following Christmas Lights Across Europe

History, culture, and family bonding blended seamlessly with Christmas traditions, surrounded by stories, snow, and shared smiles.

It was finally time to explore new festive landscapes with my family. After experiencing the enchanting Christmas markets in 2014 and 2018 as a Global Voyages tour leader in Austria and Hungary, this much-awaited family journey took us through Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, Nuremberg, and Berlin.


This part of the tour was especially close to my heart, as it was not just another travel plan but a family Christmas vacation. Slow, meaningful, and rooted in togetherness, it let us experience Europe beyond schedules and checklists, focusing instead on moments and memories.


This time, we chose the road less travelled. Instead of trains, we hired a car and drove through the European countryside, past snow-dusted fields, silent villages, winding roads, and frozen lakes. With time on our side, we embraced offbeat experiences and slower travel, with no rush—only shared laughter, spontaneous halts, warm conversations, and the quiet joy of Europe’s winter magic at our own pace.


Soft snow was falling when we stepped into our first Christmas market. The lights shimmered gently, carols floated through the cold air, and our hands wrapped tightly around warm cups of mulled wine and hot chocolate. It felt comforting and magical, as if Christmas itself was welcoming us with open arms.


We began our journey in Berlin, a city layered with history, resilience, and hope. At Christmas, it feels reflective yet festive. One must-see landmark was the Brandenburg Gate, built in the 18th century as a symbol of peace. It has witnessed Napoleon’s invasion, Nazi parades, and the division of the Cold War, and today stands as a powerful emblem of German reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Seeing it beautifully illuminated during Christmas, with dinner nearby, was deeply moving.


The next day, we explored the Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery, where preserved sections of the wall are covered with murals by artists from around the world. These artworks tell powerful stories of separation, struggle, freedom, and hope. Walking along this historic stretch made us pause and reflect on how history shapes nations and individual lives.


We also visited Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to five remarkable museums showcasing ancient civilisations, classical art, and European heritage. It felt like travelling through centuries in just a few hours.


As evening approached, we admired the festive elegance of Charlottenburg Palace, a Baroque residence once home to Prussian royalty. Later, we wandered through Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower area, alive with winter energy and glowing Christmas lights. The highlight was Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin’s most elegant Christmas market, where handcrafted art, woollens, ornaments, and the aroma of spiced wine filled the air. We sipped mulled wine with amaretto and enjoyed classic German snacks like currywurst and bratwurst, which tasted even better in the chilly weather.


Our next destination was Nuremberg, a city steeped in mediaeval history and Christmas tradition. Once a key centre of the Holy Roman Empire, it still preserves its old-world charm. We wandered through the Old Town with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, climbed up to Nuremberg Castle for panoramic city views, and ended at Hauptmarkt Square, the festive heart alive with lights, music, and joyful crowds.


We also visited St Lorenz Church, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece that added a sense of peace to our walk. In the evening, we explored the legendary Christkindlesmarkt, one of Europe’s oldest and most traditional Christmas markets, dating back to the 16th century. Red-and-white stalls displayed miniature wooden toys, angel ornaments, and festive crafts. We sampled Nuremberg’s famous Lebkuchen gingerbread and sipped hot chocolate from collectible mugs. Spending two days here felt like stepping into a living Christmas postcard.


We then travelled to Cologne, a city shaped by Roman roots and mediaeval grandeur. The highlight was the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest Gothic structures. Standing beneath its towering spires at Christmas felt deeply humbling. Nearby Christmas markets offered Rhineland crafts, live music, and festive treats. We sampled Reibekuchen potato pancakes and strolled along the Rhine River Promenade, where colourful Old Town houses reflected softly in the winter light.


Spending five winter days across Germany was deeply enriching, as history, culture, family bonding, and Christmas traditions blended beautifully. From here, our journey continued to Belgium and the Netherlands, promising more warmth, local hospitality, and unforgettable festive moments.


Exploring the world is a never-ending journey—the more we see, the more our hearts long for more. And travelling during Christmas, surrounded by stories, snow, and shared smiles, makes that longing even stronger.


So stay tuned, as the next and final part unfolds an even more magical European Christmas story — memories of heartwarming local hospitality that glow softly in the heart, just like Christmas lights on a winter evening.

 

(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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