Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Rajya Sabha passes Kerala renaming bill; Bangla bid awaits nod
In India, the national Parliament makes laws for the whole country.
One part of Parliament, called the Rajya Sabha, voted to change the name of the state of Kerala to Keralam.
The other part, the Lok Sabha, had already approved the change.
The new name will be official once the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, signs the bill.
A lawmaker named Derek O'Brien reminded everyone that his state, West Bengal, has been waiting for the new name Bangla for about eight to ten years.
Another lawmaker, Samik Bhattacharya, asked instead for the name Paschim Banga.
Some lawmakers were unhappy that the bill was passed so quickly and without much discussion.
They also complained that the Home Minister, Amit Shah, was not present.
In the end, the name Keralam moves forward, while West Bengal's new name is still not decided.
Parliament passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, giving voice-vote approval in the Rajya Sabha to rename Kerala as Keralam.
The Lok Sabha had already passed the bill, which will take effect after President Droupadi Murmu's assent.
Listed in Home Minister Amit Shah's name, the bill was introduced by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien pressed the long-pending proposal to rename West Bengal as 'Bangla', while BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya demanded 'Paschim Banga'.
Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisam backed the bill but objected to the minister of state introducing it, and O'Brien criticized bills being passed without proper discussion.
- Who
- The Parliament of India, including the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of State Nityanand Rai, President Droupadi Murmu, and MPs from the Congress, Trinamool Congress and BJP.
- What
- A bill to rename Kerala as Keralam was passed, while a proposal to rename West Bengal as 'Bangla' remains pending.
- When
- Wednesday, during the current Parliament session in which 12 bills have been passed.
- Where
- The Indian Parliament, in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
- Why
- To officially change Kerala's name to Keralam; West Bengal has sought renaming as 'Bangla' for about 8-10 years.
Critics' View (TMC and Congress MPs)
Government/BJP Lawmakers
West Bengal's new name
Critics' View (TMC and Congress MPs)
TMC MP Derek O'Brien says West Bengal has waited 8-10 years for its requested name 'Bangla' and still has the old name.
Government/BJP Lawmakers
BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya demands the name 'Paschim Banga'; MoS Nityanand Rai says the Centre will consider a state government proposal linked to heritage and people's sentiments.
Parliamentary discussion and process
Critics' View (TMC and Congress MPs)
Derek O'Brien objects to Amit Shah's absence and criticizes bills being passed without proper discussion, noting 12 bills were passed at an average of four minutes each.
Government/BJP Lawmakers
BJP MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy says O'Brien is deviating from the subject and raising irrelevant issues; Leader of the House J.P. Nadda says the bill's introduction fell within the parliamentary process.
- Bill
- Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill
- New name for Kerala
- Keralam
- Rajya Sabha decision
- Passed by voice vote
- Lok Sabha decision
- Already passed
- Final approval needed
- Assent of President Droupadi Murmu
- Bill sponsorship
- Listed under Home Minister Amit Shah; introduced by MoS Nityanand Rai
- Proposed West Bengal names
- Bangla (TMC) / Paschim Banga (BJP MP)
- Bills passed this session
- 12 bills, averaging about 4 minutes each (per Derek O'Brien)