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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Congress’ solo path for ‘ideological survival’

Mumbai: The Congress party’s decision to contest the forthcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently is being viewed as an attempt to reclaim its ideological space among the public and restore credibility within its cadre, senior leaders indicated. The announcement - made by AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala alongside state president Harshwardhan Sapkal and Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad - did not trigger a backlash from the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi...

Congress’ solo path for ‘ideological survival’

Mumbai: The Congress party’s decision to contest the forthcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently is being viewed as an attempt to reclaim its ideological space among the public and restore credibility within its cadre, senior leaders indicated. The announcement - made by AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala alongside state president Harshwardhan Sapkal and Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad - did not trigger a backlash from the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners, the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT). According to Congress insiders, the move is the outcome of more than a year of intense internal consultations following the party’ dismal performance in the 2024 Assembly elections, belying huge expectations. A broad consensus reportedly emerged that the party should chart a “lone-wolf” course to safeguard the core ideals of Congress, turning140-years-old, next month. State and Mumbai-level Congress leaders, speaking off the record, said that although the party gained momentum in the 2019 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it was frequently constrained by alliance compulsions. Several MVA partners, they claimed, remained unyielding on larger ideological and political issues. “The Congress had to compromise repeatedly and soften its position, but endured it as part of ‘alliance dharma’. Others did not reciprocate in the same spirit. They made unilateral announcements and declared candidates or policies without consensus,” a senior state leader remarked. Avoid liabilities He added that some alliance-backed candidates later proved to be liabilities. Many either lost narrowly or, even after winning with the support of Congress workers, defected to Mahayuti constituents - the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, or the Nationalist Congress Party. “More than five dozen such desertions have taken place so far, which is unethical, backstabbing the voters and a waste of all our efforts,” he rued. A Mumbai office-bearer elaborated that in certain constituencies, Congress workers effectively propelled weak allied candidates through the campaign. “Our assessment is that post-split, some partners have alienated their grassroots base, especially in the mofussil regions. They increasingly rely on Congress workers. This is causing disillusionment among our cadre, who see deserving leaders being sidelined and organisational growth stagnating,” he said. Chennithala’s declaration on Saturday was unambiguous: “We will contest all 227 seats independently in the BMC polls. This is the demand of our leaders and workers - to go alone in the civic elections.” Gaikwad added that the Congress is a “cultured and respectable party” that cannot ally with just anyone—a subtle reference to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which had earlier targeted North Indians and other communities and is now bidding for an electoral arrangement with the SS(UBT). Both state and city leaders reiterated that barring the BMC elections - where the Congress will take the ‘ekla chalo’ route - the MVA alliance remains intact. This is despite the sharp criticism recently levelled at the Congress by senior SS(UBT) leader Ambadas Danve following the Bihar results. “We are confident that secular-minded voters will support the Congress' fight against the BJP-RSS in local body elections. We welcome backing from like-minded parties and hope to finalize understandings with some soon,” a state functionary hinted. Meanwhile, Chennithala’s firm stance has triggered speculation in political circles about whether the Congress’ informal ‘black-sheep' policy vis-a-vis certain parties will extend beyond the BMC polls.

Karva Chauth: A Celebration of Love, Faith, and Togetherness

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Karva Chauth is one of India’s most cherished festivals, especially among married Hindu women. This age-old tradition goes beyond ritual, celebrating marital love, faith, and the bond between husband and wife. Rooted in history and culture, it continues to evolve, reflecting timeless values of trust, prayer, and unity.


Origins and mythological significance

The word 'Karva' means an earthen pot symbolising peace and prosperity, while 'Chauth' refers to the fourth day of the lunar month. The festival falls on the fourth day of the Kartik month (October–November) during the Krishna Paksha, or waning moon. This year, it will be observed on 10 October.


Legends surrounding the festival

There are different stories, yet all highlight faith, selflessness, and the strength of a woman’s resolve.


The Story of Queen Veervati: The most popular tale tells of Queen Veervati, who fasted for her husband’s long life but fainted from hunger and thirst. Her brothers, unable to see her suffer, tricked her into breaking the fast before moonrise. Her husband soon fell ill, and only after she observed the fast again with full devotion did he recover—symbolising the power of a wife’s love and prayer.


Mahabharata Connection: Draupadi is said to have observed Karva Chauth for the well-being of Arjuna, seeking blessings for his safety during times of war and crisis.


The Legend of Karva: Another story speaks of a devoted wife named Karva whose prayer and courage saved her husband from the jaws of death when he was caught by a crocodile, reinforcing the theme of a wife’s protective love.


The Preparations: A Festival of Beauty and Joy

The days leading to Karva Chauth are filled with excitement and heartfelt preparation. Markets brim with colourful bangles, intricate mehendi designs, and vibrant attire. Women shop for elegant sarees or lehengas, jewellery, and the traditional sargi (a pre-dawn meal prepared lovingly by mothers-in-law).


Sargi Ritual: Before sunrise, married women eat a wholesome meal of fruits, sweets, dry fruits, and other energy-rich foods. This is often accompanied by blessings from elders for a happy married life.


Mehendi & Adornments: Applying henna is almost symbolic of the festival. Mehendi patterns are believed to bring prosperity and strengthen the bond of love.


Decorating the Puja Thali: The thali used in the evening rituals is beautifully decorated with lamps, flowers, a sieve (channi), and the earthen karva filled with water.


The Fast and Evening Puja: The highlight of Karva Chauth is the sunrise-to-moonrise fast, where women abstain from food and even water. This is observed with immense dedication and positive energy.


Community Spirit: In the evening, women gather together in festive attire (red colour) for the Karva Chauth Katha (storytelling), singing traditional songs and rotating decorated thalis in a circle to bless each other.


Moonrise Ritual: When the moon appears, women view it through a sieve, then look at their husbands the same way, offering silent prayers for their well-being. Husbands then offer the first sip of water and a morsel of food, breaking the fast with love and gratitude.


Modern-day Karva Chauth

Traditionally observed by women for their husbands, the festival now sees many men fasting alongside their wives in a gesture of equality and shared devotion. It has transcended religions and borders, embraced by those who wish to celebrate love and togetherness. Couples exchange gifts, and families host gatherings, turning it into a collective celebration of affection.


Beyond the rituals

Commitment and Sacrifice: It emphasises the strength of relationships and the willingness to make heartfelt efforts for loved ones.


Faith and Spirituality: The day teaches patience, discipline, and trust in the divine.


Passing Down the Tradition: In an era of rapid change, festivals like Karva Chauth are precious links to our roots. Involving children in the decorations, storytelling, and evening rituals ensures the culture lives on. Sharing the significance of each ritual helps the younger generation appreciate the values of love, gratitude, and family unity.


Karva Chauth is more than a ritual fast; it celebrates devotion, trust, and the timeless bond between two souls. Whether observed traditionally or with a modern touch, it reminds us that love thrives on care, respect, and faith. As the moonlight graces the sky, Karva Chauth stands as a testament to enduring relationships and the cultural ties that unite generations.


This festival reminds us that marriage is not about who sacrifices more, but about how both partners nurture each other with patience, support, and respect. It celebrates mutual love, reciprocal care, and a bond that grows stronger with every sunrise and moonrise—turning a simple union into a lifetime of shared joy. Happy Karva Chauth!


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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