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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."

When Austria Turns Into a Fairytale: My Christmas Market Trail

Europe’s centuries-old Christmas markets glow with a warmth that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Traveling through Europe during Christmas—to Vienna, Prague, Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Budapest, Brussels, Cologne, and Berlin—remains an unforgettable chapter of my life. Wandering from market to market in December revealed each town’s unique celebration of the season. Twinkling lights, mulled wine, wooden stalls, and festive music created a timeless, enchanting atmosphere.


Europe offers many beautiful Christmas markets: some world-famous, others intimate and hidden among historic lanes. Most are centuries old, rooted in tradition, and decorated with warmth that makes even the coldest evening comforting. I was fortunate to visit as a tour leader with our Global Voyages groups and at times with my family. Each visit gave me lifelong memories.


My dream of experiencing winter in Europe began years ago, and it came true four times. Each time, I had the privilege of leading groups during this magical season. In 2016, we were a group of 27 travellers—many visiting Europe for the first time. Their excitement mirrored my own. We began our journey in Vienna, explored the charming Christmas markets nearby, and slowly made our way toward Budapest. The tour lasted around ten wonderful days, filled with sparkling lights, winter flavours, and the cultural moments I had always longed to witness.


One little girl in our group was just nine years old during our 2018 tour. Even after nine years, she still remembers every moment of that magical trip. That is the true power of Christmas in Europe—it carves memories into the heart forever.


So now, let us begin our journey into the Christmas magic of Austria and Hungary. The next three parts will take you deeper into more wonderful European Christmas stories!


Vienna – A City Dressed in Light

Our journey began in Vienna, Austria. On the very first evening, we gently walked around Stephansplatz and visited the famous Stephansdom Christmas Market. The crisp winter breeze, the warm glow of the cathedral, and the comfort of a cup of hot chocolate—or Glühwein—set the perfect tone for our adventure. Vienna’s old-world charm truly sparkles during Christmas, and this energy filled our group with childlike excitement.


The next day, wrapped in thermals and winter jackets, we were ready to explore more of the city. We visited the iconic Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt, perhaps Vienna’s most beloved Christmas market, glowing as a scene pulled straight from a fairy tale. We admired the majestic Hofburg Palace from the outside and then enjoyed a dreamy horse-carriage ride (Fiaker) through the illuminated old town.


Later, we continued to Maria‐Theresien‐Platz Market, where we tasted Kaiserschmarrn, warm sausages, and roasted chestnuts—the perfect winter treats. At the Karlsplatz Art Advent Market, we wandered among handmade crafts and watched delightful live performances.


Schönbrunn, Belvedere & An Evening of Music

Our third day was dedicated to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 1,441 rooms and centuries of royal history. Walking through its grounds during Christmas felt like stepping into an imperial winter dream. We enjoyed gingerbread and Austrian punch and bought a few handmade toys—each stall reflecting the spirit of the season.


Later, we visited the romantic Belvedere Palace Christmas Market, where shimmering reflections of festive lights danced across the lakeside waters—a moment that felt beautifully surreal. We ended the evening with a classical concert, a soulful highlight that left all of us deeply moved.


Salzburg – Music, Mountains & Mozartkugeln

The next day, we travelled to Salzburg, just 2.5 hours from Vienna. The scenic drive felt like moving through the pages of a snowy storybook. At Cathedral Square, we explored the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt. Then we rode up to Hohensalzburg Fortress on a funicular—a charming cable railway experience that delighted everyone.


We visited Mozart’s Birthplace, wandered the festive lanes of Getreidegasse, and tasted Salzburg’s famous Mozartkugeln—the delightful pistachio–marzipan–nougat chocolates. By evening, we returned to Vienna with hearts as warm as the treats we tasted.


Hallstatt – Austria’s Fairytale Snow Village

The following day took us to Hallstatt, one of the most breathtaking villages in the world. Wrapped in snowfall, surrounded by mountains, and mirrored perfectly on the sapphire lake, Hallstatt felt like a serene dream. Famous for its ancient salt mines, unique ossuary, and postcard-perfect scenery, this village touched us deeply with its quiet beauty.


The next morning, we departed for Budapest—ready for a new chapter of Christmas magic.

 

Stay tuned for Part 2, where our heartwarming winter journey continues into Hungary!


(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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