The government says the Invest Kerala Global Summit held recently in Kochi has been a great success and will change the face of the industrial sector in the state.

According to officials, expressions of interest for investments worth Rs 1.53 lakh crore have been obtained. This includes 24 information technology (IT) companies that have expressed interest in expanding operations in the state.

Whether it proves right, only time will tell. But the most memorable image from the event was the picture of Central Minister and BJP leader Piyush Goyal, Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition Leader of the Congress party V.D. Satheesan, and Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve standing united on the stage.

More than the promise of an investment summit, what brings hope was that rare moment of unity on the issue of economic development in a state known for its deep political divides.

But it is premature to call this a genuine shift in Kerala’s political culture as most will see it merely a well-choreographed moment for the cameras. The cynics, ever watchful, dismiss all this and say such bonhomie seldom outlasts the event itself.

Even before this debate could settle, another intriguing event unfolded. The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the ruling CPI(M), organised a technology summit – an unprecedented move for a group that was at the forefront of protests against computerisation not too long........

© Mathrubhumi English