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Kerala to Keralam: BJP Hails Name Change, Congress Questions Priorities

The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename the state of Kerala as 'Keralam'. BJP leader V Muraleedharan praised the decision as a historic move that signifies the importance of the Malayalam language. In contrast, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the necessity and timing, arguing that the state already uses 'Keralam' in Malayalam and that central projects are more critical. The Kerala Alteration of Name Bill will now be sent to the state legislative assembly for its views as per constitutional procedure.

Key Points: Kerala Renamed Keralam: BJP Praise, Tharoor Critique

  • Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam
  • BJP hails decision as honoring Malayalam language
  • Congress MP Tharoor questions timing and priorities
  • Bill to be sent to Kerala assembly for views
  • Name change follows a 2024 state assembly resolution
2 min read

"It indicates significance of Malayalam language...": BJP leader V Muraleedharan on govt's approval to rename Kerala to 'Keralam'

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam. BJP calls it historic for Malayalam, while Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questions the government's priorities.

"It indicates the significance of the Malayalam language... - V Muraleedharan"

Thiruvananthapuram, February 25

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.

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.

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."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shashi Tharoor
Tharoor Sir makes a valid point. While the sentiment is nice, what about tangible development? We need AIIMS, better infrastructure, and jobs. A name change feels symbolic when there are pressing needs.
R
Rohit P
Good decision by the Centre. Respecting regional languages and culture is important for national unity. Bombay to Mumbai, Madras to Chennai, now Kerala to Keralam. It's a positive step.
A
Ananya R
The timing before elections is... interesting. But honestly, if the state assembly passed a resolution for it, then it is the will of the people. Let's hope it's not just politics.
V
Vikram M
What's the practical impact? Will all signboards, official documents, maps need to change? That's a huge cost. The money could be better spent. This seems like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
M
Meera T
I'm happy! It's a small but meaningful recognition of our language and heritage. 'Keralam' has a beautiful sound to it. Sometimes symbolism matters for cultural confidence.

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