The Union Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Kerala as Keralam and cleared a long-pending demand from the state administration. Moreover the decision came on Tuesday, February 24, just months before the Assembly Election in Kerala. Additionally the approval followed two unanimous legislative resolutions passed in August 2023 and June 2024.
Although Kerala moves closer to Keralam, West Bengal continues to wait despite decades of efforts. Meanwhile the latest proposal from West Bengal to adopt the name Bangla remains pending. Earlier the state suggested names such as Pashchim Bongo or Bongo. However the Centre has not approved any proposal including the 2018 resolution seeking the name Bangla.
What Happens Next For Kerala?
Kerala’s renaming now requires several constitutional steps under Article 3. First the President of India must send a Bill to the Kerala Assembly for its views. After the Assembly expresses its opinion, the Centre will seek the President’s approval to introduce a Bill in Parliament. Subsequently Parliament must pass the Bill by a simple majority in both Houses. Once passed the President must grant assent and authorities will notify the change in the Gazette. Thereafter the new name will formally take effect.
Following the Cabinet decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the move reflects the will of the people of the state and aligns with efforts to strengthen connection with glorious culture.
Why Is Kerala Seeking The Name Keralam?
The process began in August 2023 when the Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He stated that the state’s name in Malayalam is Keralam and recalled that states were reorganised on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956. Furthermore he noted that the demand for a united Keralam for Malayalam speakers dates back to the freedom struggle. However the First Schedule of the Constitution lists the name as Kerala, therefore he urged amendment under Article 3.
The name Keralam predates colonial rule. According to a report in The Indian Express references appear in third-century BCE Ashokan edicts as Keralaputra and in ancient Tamil literature as Akananuru. Scholars connect the term to cher meaning to join and alam meaning region, implying land added by the sea. Other historians link it to keram meaning coconut, a key agricultural produce of the state. During British rule the anglicised term Kerala emerged, as Vijayan repeatedly emphasised.
After the Assembly passed the resolution, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced Cabinet approval. Earlier in January the BJP’s Kerala unit had endorsed the move, reported The Hindu newspaper.
Why West Bengal’s Proposals Faced Roadblocks
West Bengal’s Left Front government under former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu first proposed renaming the state Paschim Bangla or Bangla in 1999. Later after Mamata Banerjee became Chief Minister in 2011, her government suggested Paschim Banga in English and Bangla. The Centre rejected that proposal.
In 2016 the Mamata Banerjee-led administration again proposed three names: Bengal in English, Bangla in Bangla and Bangal in Hindi. Authorities rejected the suggestion because it offered different names in three languages and insisted on a single uniform title.
In 2018 the West Bengal Assembly passed a fresh resolution choosing the single name Bangla. The state sought change partly to avoid speaking last in official meetings due to alphabetical order. Banerjee argued that representatives often received speaking opportunities when attention had declined.
Nevertheless the Centre again declined the request. Junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai stated in a written response to Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee that renaming a state requires constitutional amendment after considering all relevant factors.
Foreign Ministry Concerns And Political Reactions
Moreover the Ministry of External Affairs objected because Bangla resembled Bangladesh and could create confusion in international forums, reported The Hindu. Similar concerns surfaced after the 2016 proposal, according to The New Indian Express in 2017.
As recently as February 2025, Trinamool MP Ritabrata Banerjee again demanded the renaming on the Rajya Sabha floor. After Kerala received approval, Mamata Banerjee said her state holds no objection to any region and claimed the proposal succeeded due to understanding between BJP and CPM, reported The Telegraph. She alleged political considerations and asserted that her party would secure the Bengal name in the future.
Parliament Holds Final Authority
Both situations highlight that Article 3 grants Parliament final authority in such matters. Although states initiate proposals, the Centre which commands Lok Sabha support ultimately decides. For now Kerala stands closer to becoming Keralam, whereas West Bengal continues to wait for its turn and perhaps an alphabetical rise.
