Kerala Renaming to Keralam: Centre Likely to Approve Ahead of Assembly Elections

The Union Cabinet is expected to consider a proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam,” following a resolution passed by the state legislative assembly. The move comes weeks before the upcoming Assembly elections and seeks to align the state’s official name with its linguistic and cultural identity.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had introduced the resolution urging the central government to recognise “Keralam” as the official name across all languages. The Assembly passed the resolution again in June 2024 after the Union Home Ministry suggested technical modifications to ensure clarity and constitutional compliance.

Aligning the state’s name with linguistic identity

“Keralam” is the name used in Malayalam and has deep historical and cultural roots. The proposal reflects a long-standing aspiration to align the official nomenclature with local language usage and the region’s historical identity.

The demand for a unified Malayalam-speaking state dates back to the freedom movement, and proponents say the renaming would honour that legacy while strengthening linguistic representation.

Constitutional process required for renaming

Currently, the First Schedule of the Constitution lists the state as Kerala. The Assembly has requested the Centre to amend this under Article 3 of the Constitution and adopt “Keralam” as the official name in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.

If approved, the change would require parliamentary approval and updates to official records, government communications, and legal references.

Cabinet to take up proposal

The Union Cabinet is likely to deliberate on the proposal in its meeting scheduled today. The meeting is being held at the Prime Minister’s new office complex, marking its first session at the location.

While the government has not issued an official statement, the matter is expected to be discussed in light of the Assembly’s resolution and procedural requirements.

Political timing and upcoming elections

The development comes ahead of Assembly elections in the state, which are expected before May to elect 140 members. Although the Election Commission has not yet announced the polling schedule, the timing has added political significance to the proposal.

Supporters view the renaming as a recognition of cultural heritage and linguistic authenticity, while critics may assess its political implications in the election season.

Historical and cultural significance

The term “Keralam” is widely used in Malayalam literature, cultural discourse, and everyday speech. Advocates argue that adopting the name officially would promote cultural consistency and reinforce regional identity.

If approved, Kerala would join other Indian states and cities that have updated their official names to reflect indigenous pronunciation and linguistic heritage.

The final decision will depend on the Centre’s approval and subsequent parliamentary procedures, but the proposal has already sparked discussions about identity, language, and federal processes in India’s governance framework.