In a move that raises questions about the political implications of an upcoming conference, Ramesh Chennithala, a member of the Congress Working Committee and former Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, has appealed to renowned personalities and intellectuals to reconsider their participation in the ‘International Conference on Development and Democracy’, scheduled for February 15.
In an open letter addressed to eminent figures such as Professor Amartya Sen, Professor Romila Thapar, Dr Sakunthala Thilsted, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, and Lok Sabha member Kanimozhi, Chennithala expressed concerns about the conference’s intent, given the approach to Kerala Assembly elections. He argued that the conference might be less an academic forum and more a strategic attempt by the incumbent government to regain moral legitimacy amidst criticisms of its democratic freedoms, institutional integrity, and public accountability.
Chennithala alleged that the event could potentially be used to circulate images, selective quotations, and curated excerpts to create an impression that leading global minds approve of the government’s claims on development and democracy, while glossing over the lived realities faced by many residents of Kerala. He suggested that participation in the conference might not only be perceived as academic engagement but also as a moral endorsement of what he described as an increasingly authoritarian administration.
If the invitees decide to attend, Chennithala urged them to ensure their complete remarks are made public without any editing and that issues of civil liberties, institutional independence, and accountability are openly addressed during the event.
Shaju Philip, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, is leading the publication’s coverage from Kerala with over 25 years of experience in mainstream media.
