Referring to Amaravati, Says Parliament-Approved Constitutional Decisions Must Be Honoured
New Delhi: TDP extended its support to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. During the debate, TDP MP Vijay Chintakayala used the proposed renaming of Kerala as “Keralam” to underline the broader cultural, emotional and constitutional relevance of names.
Vijay said “Keralam” reflects the state’s traditional identity in Malayalam and argued that the proposed change should not be viewed merely as an administrative renaming. Instead, he described it as an effort to provide constitutional recognition to Kerala’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Highlighting India’s diversity, he said respect for the distinct languages, cultures and identities of states forms an important part of the country’s federal framework.
He further explained the emotional significance of names by referring to the Telugu Desam Party, whose name includes “Telugu” as a symbol of Telugu pride. He also remembered the role played by party founder Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao in promoting Telugu identity.
Citing Amaravati, Vijay said certain names carry strong emotional and historical associations and argued that decisions granted constitutional recognition must be honoured. He questioned the proposal to rename Amaravati as “MAVIGUN”, asking why a decision already approved by Parliament and constitutionally recognised should be disregarded.
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.
