Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposal to rename Kerala as “Keralam” has triggered a broader political and cultural debate, with leaders across states renewing long-pending demands for similar changes.
The move, which aligns the state’s official English nomenclature with its Malayalam identity, was initially viewed as an administrative correction. However, it has quickly evolved into a wider national conversation on history, federal fairness, and civilisational symbolism.
Call to Rename Delhi as ‘Indraprastha’
On Wednesday, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging that the national capital Delhi be renamed “Indraprastha.” The proposal invokes the ancient city referenced in the Mahabharata and frames the renaming as a restoration of civilisational heritage. Khandelwal cited Kerala’s renaming as a precedent for similar action.
Historians have cautioned that such a move risks simplifying Delhi’s layered history — spanning mythological associations, medieval Sultanate and Mughal capitals, and British-era urban planning that shaped modern New Delhi.
West Bengal Revives ‘Bangla’ Demand
In eastern India, Mamata Banerjee has renewed her demand to rename West Bengal as “Bangla.” Her government had previously passed resolutions seeking the change, but the proposals remain pending with the Centre.
Banerjee questioned why Kerala’s proposal received swift approval while her state’s request has remained unresolved for years. She alleged inconsistent treatment and raised concerns about political bias — claims the BJP has denied.
J&K Joins the Discussion
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah suggested that if identity-based renaming requests are being considered, similar demands — including those concerning Jammu and Kashmir — should receive equal attention. He cautioned that selective accommodation could fuel regional discontent.
A Broader Federal Question
The debate now extends beyond nomenclature. Under Article 3 of the Constitution, Parliament has the authority to alter state names after seeking the concerned state legislature’s views. However, political consensus and symbolic sensitivities often shape outcomes.
While supporters argue that renaming corrects colonial-era distortions and restores indigenous identity, critics warn that frequent name changes risk politicising history and diverting focus from governance priorities.
With multiple states pressing identity claims, Kerala’s renaming has become more than a linguistic update — it has opened a new chapter in India’s ongoing negotiation between history, politics, and federal balance.
-OdishaAge
