New Delhi, August 12, IPU Media Update News : The Lok Sabha has approved the bill proposing to change the name of the state of Kerala to 'Keralam'. On Tuesday, the House passed the bill by a voice vote without any discussion, amidst slogans and protests by opposition members. This marks another significant milestone in the process of renaming the state.

As Union Home Minister Amit Shah was not present in the House, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai introduced the 'Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026' on his behalf. Opposition parties had staged protests demanding an explanation from Amit Shah regarding police action against protesters in Delhi and other key issues. The House approved the bill amidst this chaotic atmosphere.

The Kerala Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in June 2024 stating that the state is referred to as 'Keralam' in Malayalam and seeking to formalize this name officially. After the Union Cabinet approved the proposal, the President forwarded the draft bill to the state assembly. The assembly unanimously supported it in July 2026. The passage of this bill will lead to amendments to the First Schedule of the Constitution.