West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised strong objections over the Centre’s approval of Kerala’s renaming while the proposal to rename West Bengal as “Bangla” remains pending.
The controversy over the West Bengal renaming issue has resurfaced after the Central Government cleared the move to officially refer to Kerala as “Keralam.” Mamata Banerjee questioned why a similar proposal from West Bengal has not yet received approval.
What Did Mamata Banerjee Say?
The Chief Minister stated that:
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The West Bengal Assembly had earlier passed a resolution to rename the state as “Bangla.”
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The proposal was formally sent to the Central Government.
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However, approval from the Centre is still pending.
She argued that if Kerala can officially adopt the name “Keralam,” there should be no reason to delay West Bengal’s renaming to “Bangla.”
Banerjee also highlighted a practical issue, saying that the name “West Bengal” often places the state toward the end in alphabetical listings at national and international forums, affecting visibility.
Background of the West Bengal Renaming Proposal
The proposal to rename West Bengal as “Bangla” is not new. In 2018, the state assembly passed a resolution recommending:
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“Bangla” in English
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“বাংলা” in Bengali
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“Bengal” in Hindi
The proposal was sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs for approval, but it has remained pending for years.
Political Reactions and Debate
The renaming debate has once again sparked political discussions:
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The ruling Trinamool Congress maintains that the name “Bangla” better reflects the state’s cultural and linguistic identity.
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Opposition leaders argue that governance, employment, and economic development should take priority over symbolic name changes.
With upcoming political developments in the state, the issue may once again gain momentum in public discourse.
Why the Issue Matters
The West Bengal name change debate is not merely symbolic. It touches on:
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Cultural identity
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Federal relations between the State and the Centre
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Administrative and constitutional procedures for renaming states
Under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, any state name change requires approval by Parliament after consultation with the concerned state legislature.
