Now Reading: Parliament clears bill to rename Kerala as Keralam
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Parliament clears bill to rename Kerala as Keralam
Rajya Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, by voice vote on Wednesday, a day after Lok Sabha cleared it. The bill renames Kerala as Keralam, reflecting the Malayalam name…
The Story in Brief
Rajya Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, by voice vote on Wednesday, a day after Lok Sabha cleared it. The bill renames Kerala as Keralam, reflecting the Malayalam name for the state. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution in June 2024 urging the change. The bill amends the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3. During the debate, a BJP member demanded a similar change for West Bengal to Paschim Banga, and Rai said the Centre could consider it if it meets heritage and public sentiment.
The Indian Opinion
Some call this a symbolic distraction from real issues; others see it as overdue pride for Malayali identity. The truth is grounded: the state assembly passed a resolution in June 2024, and the Centre took two years to legislate, hardly a rush job. The bill changes only the name in the Constitution's First Schedule, not borders or languages. Watch if West Bengal's similar demand gains traction, or if Keralam's new name appears on maps and official documents without fuss.
Sources (2): thefederal.com, ndtv.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
