The Centre’s decision to rename Kerala as Keralam has sparked fresh political debate in West Bengal, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Union government of being anti-Bengal.
She alleged that the renaming move is politically timed ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections and claimed that the Centre remembers Bengal only during elections. Government sources rejected the charge and outlined reasons for refusing to approve a name change for West Bengal.
According to sources, the latest proposed name — Bangla — was declined because of its similarity to Bangladesh, which could create confusion internationally. The Ministry of External Affairs has also conveyed its views on the matter.
In 2016, the West Bengal government proposed 3 names: Bangla in Bengali, Bengal in English and Bangal in Hindi. The Centre rejected the proposal, stating that a state cannot have 3 different names in 3 languages and that the name must remain uniform across all languages.
After first coming to power in 2011, Banerjee had proposed renaming the state as Paschim Banga or Paschim Bango. That proposal was also rejected, with the Centre describing it as a minor change.
Officials have argued that renaming a large state involves a lengthy administrative process. It requires coordination with departments such as Railways, Postal services and the Ministry of Aviation to update records. A bill must also be passed in Parliament with a simple majority.
Government sources added that historical context is another factor. During British rule, Viceroy Lord Curzon divided Bengal into East and West Bengal, a move later reversed after protests. After the 1947 Partition, East Bengal became East Pakistan, and following the 1971 war, it became Bangladesh. India retained the name West Bengal as a historical reference.
Banerjee has argued that since there is no East Bengal anymore, the prefix “West” is unnecessary. She also said the name places the state last in alphabetical listings at official events and competitions.
She said she has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“Much to my surprise, nothing has happened,” she said.
“I think they are not approving it because they are anti-Bengali. They disrespect the icons and visionaries of Bengal. They only use the word ‘Bangla’ during polls to get electoral benefit. That is why they have not given the approval to rename the state,” she said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the state’s name would be changed when the BJP is no longer in power.
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