Senior Congress leader and Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala has urged eminent intellectuals including Amartya Sen and Romila Thapar to reconsider their participation in the upcoming International Conference on Development and Democracy hosted by the Kerala government on February 15, 2026. In an open letter, Chennithala alleged that the conclave is a “carefully choreographed” attempt by the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) to legitimise what he described as an authoritarian style of governance.
Key Highlights
- Conference Details: Scheduled for February 15 in Thiruvananthapuram, organized by the Kerala government.
- Invitees: Economist Amartya Sen, historian Romila Thapar, World Food Prize laureate Shakuntala Thilsted, former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah, and DMK leader Kanimozhi.
- Congress Objection: Ramesh Chennithala claims the event is designed to project the LDF government as democratic despite authoritarian tendencies.
- Political Context: Kerala is heading into assembly elections later this year, making the timing politically sensitive.
- Public Debate: The appeal has sparked discussions about intellectual participation in politically charged events.
Analysis of the Controversy
| Factor | Kerala Govt Position | Congress Position | Outcome Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conference Purpose | Showcase development & democracy | Legitimisation of authoritarianism | Polarised debate |
| Invitees | Eminent intellectuals, leaders | Urged to withdraw participation | Ethical dilemma |
| Timing | Pre-election showcase | Election propaganda | Political tension |
| Public Sentiment | Curiosity about global voices | Concern about misuse of platform | Divided opinions |
| Media Coverage | Highlighting intellectual presence | Focus on Congress objections | Controversy amplified |
Comparative Analysis of Political Conferences in India
| Event | Organizer | Invitees | Controversy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala Conference | CPM-led LDF | Amartya Sen, Romila Thapar, others | Alleged authoritarian legitimisation |
| Gujarat Vibrant Summit | BJP Govt | Global investors | Criticism of corporate dominance |
| Bengal Global Summit | TMC Govt | Business leaders | Debate over investment promises |
| Delhi Governance Conclave | AAP Govt | Policy experts | Focus on education & health |
Drivers Behind Congress’s Appeal
- Election Timing: The conference comes just months before Kerala’s assembly polls.
- Political Messaging: Congress fears the event will be used to project the LDF as democratic and progressive.
- Intellectual Legitimacy: Presence of global intellectuals could lend credibility to the government’s narrative.
- Opposition Strategy: Congress aims to prevent the ruling party from gaining symbolic advantage.
- Public Perception: Intellectual participation may sway undecided voters.
Public and Media Reaction
- Citizens: Divided, with some supporting intellectual engagement and others echoing Congress’s concerns.
- Media: Coverage has amplified the controversy, making it a central pre-election narrative.
- Analysts: See the clash as part of Kerala’s larger battle between Left and Congress for ideological dominance.
- Invitees: No official word yet from Amartya Sen or Romila Thapar on whether they will attend.
Future Outlook
The controversy could lead to:
- Intellectual Dilemma: Invitees may face pressure to withdraw to avoid political misuse.
- Election Impact: Conference may influence voter perceptions of the LDF’s governance.
- Congress Strategy: Continued attacks on LDF’s alleged authoritarianism.
- Global Attention: Kerala’s political debates gain international visibility.
Challenges ahead:
- Ensuring the conference remains academic rather than political.
- Managing reputational risks for intellectuals attending.
- Balancing governance showcase with electoral sensitivities.
Conclusion
The appeal by Ramesh Chennithala to Amartya Sen, Romila Thapar, and other intellectuals not to attend the Kerala government’s International Conference on Development and Democracy has sparked a major political debate. While the LDF seeks to showcase its governance model, Congress warns that the event is a tool to legitimise authoritarian practices ahead of elections. The decision of the invitees will be closely watched, as it could shape both Kerala’s political narrative and the broader discourse on the role of intellectuals in politically sensitive forums.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and analytical purposes only. It summarizes publicly available political updates and party positions. It does not constitute endorsement, insider information, or professional consultation. Readers are encouraged to verify facts independently and consider multiple perspectives before forming conclusions.
