Union Cabinet Clears Move to Rename Kerala as 'Keralam' Ahead of State Elections

A proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam was approved by the Union Cabinet meeting today, in a major decision before the assembly elections in the state. The state assembly has already passed a resolution to change the name in official records.

"After approval of the Union Cabinet, the President of India will refer a Bill, namely the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala for expressing its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India," Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

After receipt of the views of the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala, the Centre will take further action, and the recommendation of the President will be obtained for the introduction of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, for the alteration of the name of the state of 'Kerala' as 'Keralam' in Parliament.