New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to rename the state of Kerala as “Keralam”, triggering political reactions ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.

BJP leader V Muraleedharan welcomed the decision, calling it recognition of the Malayalam language and a long-standing public demand.

“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,” Muraleedharan said.

However, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned the necessity of the move, noting that the state is already referred to as “Keralam” in Malayalam.

“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 Government 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 Government at the Centre and the Government in the State,” Tharoor said, highlighting tensions between the Centre and the Kerala government.

Kerala (alteration of name) Bill, 2026

Briefing reporters after the Union Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, will be referred to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India.

“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.

Following receipt of the Assembly’s views, the Centre will proceed with the legislative process, including obtaining the President’s recommendation for introducing the Bill in Parliament to formally change the name of the state from “Kerala” to “Keralam”.

Also Read | ‘Kerala HC’ to retain name despite state renamed ‘Keralam’; change requires new Act of Parliament

Background and political context

The Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in June 2024 seeking to officially alter the name of the state to “Keralam”. The Union Cabinet’s approval marks a significant step in the constitutional process required for renaming a state.

The development comes ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls scheduled for the first half of this year, adding political significance to the move.

If passed by Parliament, the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, will formally change the English name of the state to align with its Malayalam pronunciation, “Keralam”.

ANI