Kerala to 'Keralam': BJP praises move, Congress questions its need

The Union Cabinet approved renaming Kerala to 'Keralam', a move praised by BJP's V Muraleedharan as historic. Congress's Shashi Tharoor questioned its significance, pointing out the name is already 'Keralam' in Malayalam.

BJP leader V Muraleedharan on Tuesday praised the Union Cabinet's approval to rename Kerala as 'Keralam', stating that it signifies the Malayalam language. "It indicates the significance of the Malayalam language... The government under the PM Narendra Modi has accepted the long-standing demand of the people of Kerala... The entire state of Kerala would like to express its gratitude to the Indian government for this historic decision..." he said.

Congress Questions Necessity of Name Change

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted that Kerala already translates to 'Keralam' in Malayalam, raising questions on the need to rename the state. "It has already been 'Keralam' in Malayalam. So now, a Malayalam word is coming into English. I don't know what difference it makes. The Govt has not given us an AIIMS, has not given us any new institutions...they have given us no projects in the Union Budget. But when it comes to a name change, they are willing to authorise it. That is what is happening between our Govt at the Centre and Govt in the State..." he said.

The Official Process

Earlier on Tuesday, the Union Cabinet gave its approval to the proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Kerala Alteration of Name Bill will be sent to the state assembly for its approval. The decision comes ahead of the assembly polls in the state, slated for the first half of this year.

"After approval of the Union Cabinet, the President of India will refer a Bill, namely the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala for expressing its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India," Vaishnaw said.

After receipt of the views of the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala, the Centre will take further action, and the recommendation of the President will be obtained for the introduction of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, for the alteration of the name of the state of 'Kerala' as 'Keralam' in Parliament.

The Legislative Assembly of Kerala passed a resolution in June 2024 to alter the name of the state of "Kerala" to "Keralam."

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