The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Kerala government’s proposal to rename the state as “Keralam,” fulfilling a long-standing demand to align its official name with the native Malayalam pronunciation and advancing the process under Article 3 of the Constitution.
Constitutional Next Steps
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the nod, triggering referral of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the state assembly for views. Post-review, Parliament will debate it with presidential recommendation, updating the First Schedule and Eighth Schedule languages.
Kerala’s assembly unanimously passed resolutions in August 2023 and June 2024 (after Centre tweaks for clarity), reflecting broad consensus.
Cultural and Political Resonance
CM Pinarayi Vijayan hailed “Keralam” as embodying heritage and pride, shedding the Anglicized “Kerala.” PM Modi tweeted it strengthens cultural connect. Timed ahead of 2026 polls, it mirrors renamings like Bombay to Mumbai, boosting regional identity.
