Congress Leader Appeals to Intellectuals Over Kerala Conference
In a significant political development, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has publicly urged prominent intellectuals and public figures to reconsider their attendance at an upcoming conference organized by the Kerala government. The event, titled the 'International Conference on Development and Democracy,' is scheduled for February 15 in Thiruvananthapuram.
Chennithala's Open Letter Raises Concerns
Chennithala, a member of the Congress Working Committee and former Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, addressed an open letter to several distinguished invitees. Recipients included Nobel laureate Professor Amartya Sen, historian Professor Romila Thapar, Dr. Sakunthala Thilsted, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, and Lok Sabha member Kanimozhi.
In his letter, Chennithala expressed deep reservations about the timing and intent of the conference, which coincides with the approaching Kerala Assembly elections. He argued that the event appears less like a genuine academic forum and more like a strategically planned initiative designed to restore moral credibility for the incumbent government.
Allegations of Authoritarian Governance
The Congress leader criticized the ruling CPM government in Kerala, alleging that its record on democratic freedoms, institutional integrity, and public accountability has faced sustained criticism and is increasingly perceived as authoritarian. Chennithala warned that participation in the conference could be misconstrued as a moral endorsement of what he described as an increasingly authoritarian administration.
He further claimed that the government might use the event to circulate selective images, quotations, and excerpts to create a misleading impression that global intellectuals support its claims on development and democracy. This, he asserted, could obscure the actual experiences and challenges faced by many residents of Kerala.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
If the invitees decide to attend despite his appeal, Chennithala urged them to insist on specific conditions to ensure transparency. He requested that their complete remarks be made publicly available without any editing or censorship. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of openly addressing critical issues such as civil liberties, institutional independence, and governmental accountability during the conference proceedings.
This move by the Congress leader highlights the intensifying political tensions in Kerala as the state prepares for upcoming elections. It underscores the ongoing debate over governance, democracy, and the role of intellectual endorsement in political legitimacy within the region.
