In an era where accomplishments in space science draw the world's attention, India's recent triumph with Chandrayaan 3 is no exception. This monumental feat had the nation swelling with pride. But while most celebrated, some were busy dusting off old record books.

Soon after the Chandrayaan 3's successful touchdown on the lunar surface on Wednesday, August 23, the Congress party was quick on its feet. Amid the heartfelt applause for ISRO's diligent scientists, the party, with a sprinkle of nostalgia and a dash of satire, attempted a brief moonwalk into history, trying to plant their flag on this lunar success.

Rajya Sabha MP and Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, graciously took to Twitter, beginning with praise: “We are deeply indebted to the remarkable hard work, unparalleled ingenuity, and unflinching dedication of our scientists, space engineers, researchers, and everyone involved in making this mission a triumph for India.” But what began as a genuine ovation soon veered into a reminiscent tribute.

Pivoting the conversation to a trip down memory lane, Kharge added, “These accomplishments are a testament to the vision of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru who emphasized and sincerely believed that a critical commitment to science could drive the spirit of development of our newly independent nation by igniting the spirit and minds of the people.” A gracious nod to successive Prime Ministers followed.

But for those who've kept a keen eye on history, the narrative took a humorous turn. It's intriguing to see Congress in a hurry to grasp at the space legacy, especially considering the oversight of ISRO's funding appeals during the UPA era. A jaunt back further reveals an even more entertaining fact: Pakistan's SUPARCO got its start in 1961, just a few moons before INCOSPAR, India's early space research foundation.

While credit is due to all leaders who've believed in the power of science, let's not let the glow of Chandrayaan 3's success be eclipsed by political maneuvers. After all, the moon shines for all, regardless of who first dreamt of touching it.

Juggling History with the Stars: Chandrayaan and Congress' Cosmic Claims

As Chandrayaan 3's success reverberated worldwide, Congress didn't just want a piece of the pie; they wanted to be the pastry chefs. Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president, painted a vivid picture of the party's commitment to science for welfare, with the Vikram Lander's descent standing as a testament to the party's unwavering vision for peace. "Our party," he commented, "has always stood by the belief in advancing world peace and fellowship. Vikram Lander's graceful touchdown reaffirms our dedication to harness science for peaceful and welfare purposes."

The Congress, in a not-so-subtle tweet from their official handle, added a historical asterisk to Chandrayaan 3's success, pointing directly to India's first Prime Minister. "It was independent India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, whose scientific perspective formed the bedrock of Indian space research." The narrative continued, acknowledging Chandrayaan 1 and Mangalyaan Mission as victories helmed by the Congress.

However, as every coin has two sides, some historical scrolls paint a different story. While the Congress drenched in the recent success of ISRO's third lunar mission, it was the very same party that left ISRO counting pennies during the times of Chandrayaan 2. A 2013 report from TOI pulls the curtain on a funding hiccup, highlighting ISRO's quest for additional budget under the Congress government to develop a lander and rover for Chandrayaan 2. ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan was noted saying, “We are seeking funds from the government... We are awaiting approval for the lander for Chandrayaan 2."

It's enlightening to see the political dance beneath the stars, a ballet of taking credit, and conveniently sidestepping past oversights. The celestial success of Chandrayaan 3 does belong to a nation and its brilliant scientists, but it sure gives politicians a reason to play their terrestrial tunes.

ISRO's Triumphs and Tribulations: The Price Tag of Dreams

The meticulous journey of ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) unfurls a tale of ambition clashing with fiscal constraints. For their GSAT-15 communication satellite, a request was made for a grant of Rs 892.69 crore. What trickled in, however, was a sum of Rs 830.88 crore from the Centre. When the baton passed to GSAT-16, ISRO pitched Rs 897.94 crore but was handed Rs 865 crore. Yet, with sheer grit, the space agency powered through, wrapping up the task with a mere Rs 864.12 crore. The pièce de résistance? MOM's final tally stood at a staggering Rs 447.39 crore, stamping it as the globe's most cost-effective sojourn to Mars.

Such fiscal hurdles, however, didn't deter the Congress from basking in the glow of India's lunar conquests. The Chandrayaan 2 launch on July 22, 2019, saw a cascade of accolades directed at former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with reminders of his assent for the project back in 2008.

Moreover, the party didn't hesitate to reach into the annals of history, bestowing commendations on Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. After all, it was his vision and funding for INCOSPAR in 1962 that birthed what we now proudly recognize as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The horizon may stretch infinitely in space, but on terra firma, the legacy race has its own orbits.

It's said that success has many fathers, and Chandrayaan-3’s triumphant launch on July 14 this year was no exception. Amidst the jubilation, the Congress was quick to claim a slice of the spotlight. KC Venugopal, the esteemed General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), was particularly effusive in his praise. However, while his words painted a lineage of Congress stalwarts nurturing ISRO, there was a conspicuous omission - the unsung heroes, the scientists.

Venugopal extolled, “The ISRO dreamt of by Pandit Nehru, nurtured by Indira Gandhi ji, and elevated by Rajiv Gandhi ji and Dr. Manmohan Singh ji achieves a new pinnacle! As we excitedly watch the #Chandrayan3 soar, it's a moment of pride for all. Jai Hind!”

Yet, amid this tapestry of historical narratives, keen observers noted another curious exclusion. The names of luminaries like Lal Bahadur Shashtri and PV Narasimha Rao were conspicuously missing from Venugopal’s celebratory tweet. While ISRO’s beacon illuminates the sky, on the ground, the game of political spotlight continues unabated.

While the magnificence of India’s accomplishments in space science is undeniable, it’s intriguing how tales from the ground bring a paradox into sharp focus. Before India embarked on its celestial journey with INCOSPAR, Pakistan had already inaugurated SUPARCO. A detail worth noting, considering the age-old competition between the two nations.

Delving deeper, a narrative emerges, one that contrasts the trials of Indian institutions with the opulence of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. The canvas is wide: From a struggling ISRO for funds, a scrimping armed force, to a family that seemingly viewed the national treasury as a personal trust. The contrast is staggering.

Take for instance, the 1987 escapade when Rajiv Gandhi, then the Prime Minister, along with a merry entourage, transformed the secluded beauty of Lakshadweep Island into a personal holiday spot. And the vehicle for this journey? INS Viraat, no less. Once a symbol of India's naval prowess, that day it sailed as a 'royal yacht'.

Then there’s Nehru, the founding father, whose penchant for luxury wasn’t limited to dry-cleaned clothes from overseas. As anecdotes go, special flights couriered his preferred cigarette brands. The INS Trishul, meanwhile, played the somber role of escorting a wreath in the memory of Edwina Mountbatten. This was during a time when our soldiers, guarding the snowy frontiers of the Himalayas, lacked basic essentials like winter wear.

The underpinning message? While the stars shone bright for some, down here on Earth, many of our institutions, those charged with guarding and advancing the nation, were left navigating the dark. A celestial irony, indeed.

India's Celestial Marvel: Chandrayaan 3's Moonlit Feat

August 23rd is now engraved in the annals of Indian Space history. At 18:04 hours, amidst an atmosphere of tension and anticipation, the ground station erupted in jubilation. ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon, touching down gracefully on our celestial neighbor's surface. A feat unparalleled, an achievement transcendent.

The triumphant mood was captured poignantly by ISRO's official handle, "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 'India, I reached my destination and you too," it eloquently tweeted.

Launched on July 14 from the esteemed Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Chandrayaan-3 has been on a mission, not just of exploration but also of aspiration. With its Pragyan rover and orbiter geared up, they will embark on an in-depth examination of the moon. From deciphering the elemental composition, and gauging the lunar seismicity to understanding its surface plasma environment and thermophysical features, it's all on their lunar to-do list.

This success, amidst the cacophony of credit-claiming and political banter, serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit, relentless pursuit, and the silent yet commendable hard work of countless individuals at ISRO. A celestial leap for India, indeed.