Kerala to be Renamed Keralam: Why West Bengal’s Bangla Proposal Failed

Kerala is set to be officially renamed Keralam after the Union Cabinet approved the proposal, paving the way for a constitutional amendment in Parliament.

The move follows unanimous resolutions passed by the state assembly in 2023 and 2024. If Parliament approves the change, the new name will be added to the Constitution’s First Schedule and notified officially.

Meanwhile, West Bengal continues to wait for approval of its long-pending proposal to change its name to Bangla.

Why Kerala wants to be called Keralam

The proposed name reflects the state’s linguistic and historical identity.

According to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan:

• “Keralam” is the name used in Malayalam.

• The demand aligns with linguistic reorganisation principles.

• The term predates colonial rule and appears in ancient literature and Ashokan edicts.

Historians link the name to:

• “Keralaputra” in ancient inscriptions

• “Keram” (coconut), reflecting regional agriculture

• “Cher + alam”, meaning land formed by the sea

The current name “Kerala” emerged during British rule.

Constitutional process for renaming a state

Under Article 3 of the Constitution:

1. The President refers the proposal to the state legislature.

2. The state expresses its views.

3. Parliament passes the amendment with a simple majority.

4. Presidential assent follows.

5. The change is officially notified.

Kerala’s proposal has cleared the Cabinet stage and is progressing through this process.

West Bengal’s long struggle for a name change

West Bengal has attempted multiple name changes since the late 1990s.

Key proposals included:

• Paschim Banga / Bangla (1999) under Jyoti Basu

• Paschim Banga (2011) after Mamata Banerjee became chief minister

• Bengal / Bangla / Bangal (2016) in three languages

• Bangla (2018) as a single name

Despite repeated resolutions, the Centre has not approved the change.

Why West Bengal’s proposals were rejected

Several factors contributed to the delays:

1. Multiple-language naming issues
The 2016 proposal suggested different names in English, Hindi and Bangla. The Centre requires a single uniform name.

2. Diplomatic concerns
The Ministry of External Affairs flagged similarities between “Bangla” and Bangladesh, warning of possible confusion in international forums.

3. Administrative and constitutional considerations
Officials noted that state renaming requires careful evaluation of legal, geopolitical and administrative implications.

4. Political and procedural factors
Parliament holds final authority. State resolutions alone do not ensure approval.

Alphabetical argument and political reactions

The West Bengal government argued that renaming the state would help avoid being listed last in official meetings.

Following approval of Kerala’s proposal, Mamata Banerjee alleged political considerations influenced the decision. She reiterated that the demand to rename West Bengal remains active.

What the developments indicate

Kerala’s proposal reflects linguistic identity alignment and has moved forward with broad consensus.

West Bengal’s case highlights how diplomatic, administrative and policy concerns can delay such changes.

Both cases demonstrate that while states may initiate renaming proposals, Parliament ultimately decides their fate.

For now, Kerala appears closer to officially becoming Keralam, while West Bengal’s Bangla proposal remains pending.