The Union Cabinet officially approved renaming the state of Kerala to Keralam during a meeting on Tuesday. Consequently, this decision fulfills a long-standing demand endorsed twice by the local state legislature.
The change aims to align the official name with the state’s traditional identity in the Malayalam language. Furthermore, this approval marks a significant milestone in the cultural and political history of the southern region.
Read More From Kerala to Keralam
Legislative Journey and Constitutional Process
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved resolutions in 2023 and 2024 to urge the central government for this change. The Kerala Assembly passed these resolutions unanimously to reflect the will of the local population. Interestingly, even the state BJP president extending his support helped solidify the political consensus for the new name. Now, the Union government must take steps under Article 3 of the Constitution to finalize the process.
Addressing Discrepancies in the Resolution
Officials moved a second resolution in 2024 because the first attempt contained a minor technical discrepancy. Specifically, the previous resolution only updated the First Schedule but missed several languages in the Eighth Schedule. Therefore, the fresh resolution ensures that “Keralam” is recognized across all constitutional languages. This meticulous approach guarantees that the state’s identity remains consistent throughout all official Indian government records.
Historical and Linguistic Origins
The name “Kerala” has ancient roots dating back to the Rock Edict II of Ashoka in 257 BCE. These inscriptions refer to “Keralaputra,” which scholars interpret as a reference to the powerful Chera dynasty. Additionally, German scholar Herman Gundert suggested that the name derives from “Cheralam,” meaning a joined land or region. This rich history underscores why the population feels a deep connection to the traditional name of Keralam.
Election Timeline and Assembly Details
Keralam prepares for its crucial Assembly elections in 2026 as the 140-member state assembly term ends this May. Although the official dates are pending, experts expect the Election Commission to schedule polling for March or April. Consequently, the state anticipates high participation reflecting the region’s deep democratic engagement and vibrant political history. Therefore, political parties are currently intensifying their grassroots efforts to secure a dominant position in the upcoming contest.
Voter Demographics and Inclusive Participation
The final voter list highlights over 2.69 crore registered electors who will decide the future of the state government. Notably, female voters outnumber men while the list includes inclusive counts for persons with disabilities and third-gender citizens. This diverse electorate presents a unique challenge for major political coalitions trying to secure a majority win in 2026. Furthermore, the inclusive nature of the list reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring every citizen has a voice.
Political Strategies and Campaign Context
Political parties have entered full campaign mode to influence voters before the busy polling season officially begins next year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kochi on March 6 to release the NDA manifesto for these polls. Meanwhile, the LDF and UDF coalitions are actively planning candidate strategies to reclaim or maintain their dominance in Keralam. Analysts believe these elections will be highly competitive as parties mobilise massive resources to appeal to a diverse population.
Expert Q&A: Understanding the Transition
Q: Why was the name “Kerala” used instead of “Keralam” initially?
A: While the local population uses “Keralam,” the First Schedule of the Constitution adopted the name “Kerala” during reorganisation.
Q: What was the Aikya Kerala movement?
A: This movement gathered momentum in the 1920s to unite all Malayalam-speaking regions into one single state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was the state of Kerala officially formed?
The state formed on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956, which citizens celebrate annually as Kerala Piravi.
Which constitutional article allows for renaming a state?
The Union government uses Article 3 of the Constitution to change the name or boundaries of any state.
What regions merged to form the unified state?
The modern state was created by integrating the princely states of Kochi and Travancore with the Malabar district.
Who initially proposed the name change resolutions?
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved both the 2023 and 2024 resolutions in the state Assembly for the name change.
