‘Bangla-birodhis’: Mamata Banerjee reminds Centre of Bengal proposal after Kerala's ‘Keralam’ nod
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 24, 2026
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A political storm erupted after the Central Government approved Kerala's proposal to rename the state "Keralam," sparking criticism from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She questioned why a similar request to rename West Bengal as "Bangla" remains pending, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of being "anti-Bengal." Banerjee's comments come amid an election season in both Kerala and West Bengal, with polls expected around the same time.
The renaming of states is often tied to cultural identity and pride. For West Bengal, the demand to rename the state reflects a broader assertion of heritage and language. The Trinamool Congress-led government had passed a resolution in 2018 to change West Bengal's name but has faced delays in securing Central approval.
Banerjee's criticism highlights tensions between regional identity and central authority. Her party accused the BJP-led Center of discriminative policies, claiming that Bengal's legitimate demands are being ignored. This issue underscores deeper political dynamics, with leaders using state identity as a tool to rally support during elections.
The decision to rename Kerala reflects its government's push for cultural assertion ahead of polls. Similarly, West Bengal's demand for renaming highlights the region's pride in its heritage and language. The outcome of these debates could influence voter sentiment in both states, making this a significant political and cultural battle.
In a broader context, such disputes over state names reveal ongoing tensions between regional identities and centralized authority in India. These issues often transcend administrative matters, becoming symbols of cultural pride and political leverage.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026