Tue Feb 24 11:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Kerala Officially Renamed ‘Keralam’ by Union Cabinet Ahead of State Elections

The Story:
The Union Cabinet has officially approved the Kerala government’s proposal to rename the state as ‘Keralam’. This decision, made just months before the state assembly elections, follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala assembly urging the central government to make the change. The proposal was initially submitted in August 2023, evaluated by the Centre, and resubmitted with technical changes in June 2024. The approval took place at a Union Cabinet meeting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new office on February 24, 2026.

Key Points:

  • The Union Cabinet approved the renaming of Kerala to ‘Keralam’.
  • The decision comes months before the state assembly elections.
  • The Kerala assembly unanimously passed the resolution for the second time on June 25, 2024.
  • Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved the resolution, emphasizing the name ‘Keralam’ is deeply rooted in the state’s history and already used in Malayalam.
  • The assembly seeks amendment under Article 3 of the Constitution to reflect the name change in all languages included in the Eighth Schedule.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of the Union Cabinet’s approval, just months before the state assembly elections, raises questions about potential political motivations. Approving a long-standing request of the Kerala government could be seen as an attempt to gain favor with voters in the state. Also, the central government initially recommended technical changes to the first resolution in August 2023, suggesting a degree of scrutiny before final approval.

Key Takeaways:

  • The renaming of Kerala to ‘Keralam’ reflects a desire to align the state’s official name with its historical and linguistic identity.
  • The central government’s approval, coinciding with the lead-up to state elections, introduces a potential element of political strategy.
  • The unanimous support within the Kerala assembly highlights the widespread consensus on the name change within the state.
  • The process underscores the constitutional mechanisms involved in altering state names in India, requiring both state-level resolutions and central government approval.

Impact Analysis:
The official renaming is likely to have cultural and symbolic significance for the people of Kerala. It could strengthen the state’s linguistic identity and promote a sense of unity. While the practical implications for governance and administration are minimal, the name change could lead to adjustments in official documents, signage, and public discourse. The long-term impact will depend on how effectively the new name is integrated into various aspects of state life.

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