Kerala is on the verge of a historic change as the state government prepares to rename the state to “Keralam”. The move comes just weeks before the assembly elections, highlighting both cultural pride and political strategy.
The Cabinet is expected to approve a bill for the name change today, following a resolution already passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly. If implemented, this would make “Keralam” the official name in all government records, legal documents, and constitutional references, aligning the state’s identity with the Malayalam language and heritage.
Kerala to Rename as ‘Keralam’ Before Assembly Elections 2026
The Kerala Legislative Assembly has already taken a significant step by passing a resolution calling on the Union government to rename the state to “Keralam.” This resolution was introduced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and passed unanimously, showing broad support among state lawmakers.
In the resolution, lawmakers highlighted that “Keralam” is the name used in the Malayalam language, and that while states were reorganised on linguistic lines in 1956, the official name in the Constitution’s First Schedule remains “Kerala.” The assembly requested that the central government amend both the First Schedule and, where necessary, other official records to reflect the new name.
This is not the first time such a demand has been made; a similar resolution was passed previously but had to be reintroduced with technical adjustments after feedback from the Union Home Ministry.
What Does the Kerala Name Change Bill Mean?
The Cabinet meeting expected today could approve the name change bill, which would be formally sent to the Union Government and Parliament for approval. Under Article 3 of the Constitution, the power to change a state’s name lies with the Parliament, following recommendations from the President. A Constitutional amendment bill must be passed by both houses of Parliament and then receive presidential assent to become binding.
If approved by Parliament and the President, the state’s name will officially shift from “Kerala” to “Keralam” in the Constitution, administrative records, and all official documents across languages.
Supporters of the move argue it is a way to align official nomenclature with the Malayalam identity and cultural heritage of the region. Critics, on the other hand, caution that the practical implications, including changing official signage, stationery, and documentation, could carry high logistical and financial costs.
Kerala Name Change: Political Context & Timing Before Elections
The timing of this move, just before state assembly polls, has added a political dimension to the debate. Many see it as an initiative by the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) to excite voters by reinforcing cultural pride and linguistic identity. However, opponents argue that lawmakers should focus on core development issues rather than symbolic name changes at a time when the state faces pressing economic and governance challenges.
Analysts say that while cultural identity resonates with many voters, the political impact ultimately depends on public sentiment and how parties frame the issue in election campaigns.
Kerala Name Change: Historical Context of State Name Changes in India
Kerala’s proposal is not without precedent. In Indian history, states like Uttaranchal were renamed Uttarakhand in 2007, and Orissa was changed to Odisha in 2011 to align with local languages and culture. These changes were implemented through Parliamentary approval following similar constitutional procedures.
Despite the long-standing practice of renaming, each proposal carries its own political and administrative debates, and the final decision rests with the central government and Parliament.
What Happens Next After the Cabinet Decision?
If the Kerala Cabinet passes the bill today, it will be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which will then recommend it to Parliament. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must approve the bill, followed by the President’s assent. Only after these steps can the name change take effect legally.
This process could take time, and while today’s decision marks a key milestone, the name “Keralam” will not become official until the constitutional amendment is signed into law.
Kerala Assembly Polls 2026: Key Dates & Voter Details
Kerala is gearing up for its Assembly elections in 2026, with the current 140-member state assembly’s term ending in May 2026. While the Election Commission of India has not yet announced exact polling dates, voting is expected around March–April 2026.
The final voter list shows Kerala will have over 2.69 crore registered electors, with women outnumbering men and inclusive counts for third-gender and persons with disabilities. This sets the stage for a high-participation election, reflecting Kerala’s vibrant democratic engagement.
Kerala 2026 Polls: Political Context Ahead
Political parties are already in full campaign mode. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking to expand its presence, with plans for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Kochi on March 6 to release the NDA manifesto for the Assembly polls.
Meanwhile, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) are actively planning candidate strategies and local campaigns to maintain or reclaim dominance in the state. Analysts say these polls are expected to be highly competitive, with parties mobilising resources, messaging, and grassroots efforts to appeal to Kerala’s diverse electorate.
