Centre Approves Renaming Kerala to 'Keralam' Ahead of State Elections
The Central government on Tuesday granted approval to alter the name of the southern state from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam', nearly two years after the state legislative assembly passed a resolution advocating for this change. This decision comes as Kerala prepares for upcoming elections later this year, adding a political dimension to the move.
BJP Claims Credit and Criticizes Opponents
BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar hailed the approval as a "privilege," asserting that his party and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had initiated the renaming process. He launched a sharp critique against the Congress and CPM, accusing them of leaving the state "littered" with incomplete tasks over the past 65 years. Notably, the BJP has never held power in Kerala.
"There are many things that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National Democratic Alliance will do in Keralam that they have never done before, could never do earlier, and have never attempted," Chandrasekhar stated. "The BJP and the NDA are a coalition, a political formation that believes in completing the unfinished tasks, the incomplete work of the last 65 years left undone by the politics of the Congress party."
He emphasized the party's commitment to cultural heritage, adding, "It is our responsibility as the BJP and as every Malayali to reclaim and protect the heritage, history, culture, and traditions of our proud Keralam. We are happy and privileged that God has given us this opportunity, and that the people have given us this opportunity, to initiate the renaming of our proud state of Kerala as Keralam."
Linguistic and Historical Roots of the Renaming
The push to rename Kerala to "Keralam" is deeply rooted in language, history, and identity. In a resolution passed by the state assembly, the CPM government highlighted that the name in the Malayalam language is "Keralam." It pointed out that Indian states were reorganized on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956—a date celebrated annually as Kerala Piravi Day.
The resolution noted that during the national independence movement, there was a strong demand for a united state for Malayalam-speaking people, making linguistic identity central to its formation. "The name of our State is 'Keralam' in Malayalam Language. States were formed on the basis of language on the 1st day of November, 1956. The Kerala Piravi Day is also on the 1st day of November," the resolution stated.
It further explained, "Since the time of National Independence Struggle, there has been a strong demand for the formation of United Kerala for the people speaking Malayalam language. But in the First Schedule to the Constitution the name of our State is recorded as 'Kerala'. This Assembly unanimously appeal to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as 'Keralam'." This resolution was passed on June 24, 2024.
Political Implications and Timing of the Approval
With the Centre ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance, the approval to rename Kerala as 'Keralam' is being viewed through a political lens. For the BJP, this move aligns with its broader emphasis on cultural identity and linguistic authenticity. By supporting the state assembly’s resolution, the party positions itself as respectful of regional sentiment while reinforcing its narrative of civilizational and cultural pride.
The language issue has been a recurring flashpoint between Kerala and the BJP-led Centre, particularly over concerns of Hindi imposition, such as the recent three-language row. The CPM government has opposed making Hindi compulsory, while the Centre advocates for regional languages in governance and education.
Union home minister Amit Shah remarked last year, "Hindi is a friend of all languages and together, Hindi and other Indian languages enhance our self-pride."
The timing of the Centre’s approval is significant, as it comes when the BJP seeks to expand its influence in a state long dominated by the Left and Congress. After securing its first Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in 2024, the BJP aims to shed its outsider image. Supporting the name change allows the party to demonstrate political accommodation rather than confrontation, a strategic step as it works to establish itself as a durable third force in Kerala’s evolving political landscape.
This decision underscores the interplay of linguistic heritage, historical context, and electoral politics, marking a pivotal moment in Kerala's identity and governance.
