Says Once Parliament Approves a Constitutional Decision, It Must Be Respected, Referring to Amaravati as an Example
New Delhi: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) backed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, with party MP Vijay Chintakayala using the proposed change from Kerala to “Keralam” to underline the cultural, emotional and constitutional significance attached to names.
Speaking during the discussion on the Bill, Vijay said the name “Keralam” reflects the state’s traditional identity in the Malayalam language and that the proposed change was not merely a change of name but a move towards constitutional recognition of Kerala’s linguistic and cultural identity.
“India’s strength lies in its diversity,” Vijay said, stressing that respect for the language, culture and identity of individual states is an important feature of India’s federal structure.
He also spoke about the emotional value attached to names, drawing a parallel with the Telugu Desam Party, whose name carries the word “Telugu” as an expression of Telugu pride. He recalled the role of party founder Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao in promoting Telugu identity.
Mr. Vijay then cited Amaravati to highlight how names can carry deep emotional significance and why decisions that receive constitutional recognition must be respected.
He also referred to the proposal to replace Amaravati with “MAVIGUN”, questioning the approach of those who seek to disregard a decision that has already been approved by Parliament and given 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.
