Says Constitutional Decisions Approved by Parliament Must Be Respected, Citing Amaravati as an Example
New Delhi: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supported the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, with party MP Vijay Chintakayala highlighting the cultural, emotional and constitutional importance associated with place names.
Participating in the debate, Vijay said the name “Keralam” represents Kerala’s traditional identity in the Malayalam language. He described the proposed change as more than a simple renaming exercise, calling it a step towards recognising the state’s linguistic and cultural identity at the constitutional level.
“India’s strength lies in its diversity,” Vijay said, emphasising that respecting the language, culture and identity of different states is central to the country’s federal structure.
The TDP MP also highlighted the emotional significance of names, drawing a parallel with his party’s name, which carries the word “Telugu” and reflects Telugu pride. He recalled the contribution of TDP founder Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao to strengthening Telugu identity.
Vijay then cited Amaravati as an example, saying that names can have deep emotional significance and that decisions receiving constitutional recognition should be respected. He also referred to the proposal to replace Amaravati with “MAVIGUN”, questioning attempts to disregard a decision that had already received parliamentary approval and constitutional recognition.
He stressed that no individual or political interest can claim a right to disregard a decision of Parliament once it has been constitutionally approved.
“Once the Constitution Bill is passed in this highest order of this Parliament, no one should go against the Bill. So once it is passed, it is passed,” he said.
Drawing the parallel with the Keralam Bill, Vijay emphasised that names can carry linguistic, cultural and emotional significance, and that constitutional decisions approved by Parliament must be respected regardless of subsequent political changes.
Mr. Vijay also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his leadership had helped remove colonial-era names and strengthen the country’s traditional roots.
