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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."

Travel Starts with Documents, Planning, and Preparation

In moments of crisis, a dependable travel agent becomes an anchor.

Behind many smooth international journeys stands a reliable travel agent. International travel involves complex layers—visa regulations, flight connections, accommodation standards, insurance requirements, and foreign laws. A trustworthy travel agent offers accurate guidance, prevents documentation errors, and creates itineraries that match the traveller’s comfort and needs. During emergencies such as flight cancellations, medical issues, or sudden changes in plans, a dependable agent becomes an anchor, offering timely solutions when travellers feel most vulnerable. So, reach out to us at goglobalvoyages. in for your travel assistance. Thousands of travellers have enjoyed their tours with us for more than 25 years!


With this vast experience in the tourism industry, I have worked across multiple roles—sales, operations, finance, passport and visa documentation, itinerary planning, foreign exchange and travel insurance, and as a domestic & international tour leader. Each role has given me a deeper understanding of how travel documents truly work behind the scenes.


Over the years, I have witnessed and handled countless unexpected situations—missed documents, urgent visa issues, medical emergencies, and last-minute changes. These real-life experiences have taught me one important lesson: the success of any journey depends heavily on proper documentation.


Through this series of three articles, I will share practical experiences and insights related to travel documents—lessons learnt on the ground, not from theory—so that travellers can prepare better and travel with confidence.


Every memorable journey begins long before a traveller boards a flight or crosses a border. It starts quietly at home, with a set of documents that often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. Passports, visas, tickets, permits, and insurance papers may look like routine paperwork, but in reality, they form the backbone of every journey—domestic or international.


For any traveller stepping out of their home country, the passport becomes the most powerful possession. It establishes identity and nationality, opening doors to new lands. Visas complement it by granting permission to enter, stay, or transit through foreign territories. Along the way, boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and travel tickets guide movement, while travel insurance stands silently in the background, ready to protect against unexpected illness, accidents, or sudden changes in plans.


This is why careful handling of travel documents is not a choice but a responsibility. Originals should always be kept secure, while photocopies or digital backups are stored separately. Simple habits—such as using document folders, secure wallets, or money belts—can significantly reduce the risk of theft or loss. Scanned copies saved in email or cloud storage often become lifesavers when originals are inaccessible.


Preparation plays an equally important role. Well before travel, documents must be checked for validity, correct personal details, and expiry dates. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the travel date, and in practice, renewing the passport a year in advance ensures smoother visa processing. Though digital boarding passes and electronic documents have added convenience, physical copies remain essential, especially when technology fails or internet access is unavailable.


One of the most distressing situations any traveller can face is losing a passport in a foreign country. Panic is natural, but calm and quick action makes all the difference. The first step is reporting the loss to the local police and obtaining a police report. This document becomes the foundation for all further procedures. The next step is approaching the nearest embassy or consulate—the only authority that can issue a replacement or emergency travel document. Providing photocopies, digital records, or personal passport details helps speed up the process. If a visa is lost along with the passport, local immigration authorities must be contacted for reissuance or transfer. Airlines and travel insurance providers should also be informed, as many insurance policies cover expenses related to passport loss. Until the issue is resolved, police and embassy documents must be carried at all times.


Simple habits at home can prevent future stress. Storing documents in transparent folders makes them easy to find, while avoiding tight passport covers helps prevent moisture damage. Writing passport details, such as the number and expiry date, on the folder serves as a useful reminder for timely renewal and smooth visa processing.


In the end, travel is much more than visiting destinations. It is a journey of trust, preparation, and responsibility. When documents are handled mindfully, support systems are in place, and emergency procedures are understood, travellers gain something priceless—peace of mind. With strong groundwork, the world opens up more freely, allowing travellers to focus on discovery, connection, and meaningful experiences, letting memories—not mishaps—define their journey.


Stay tuned to read about challenging situations during Global Travel! 


(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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