TDP MP Vijay Chintakayala Raises Amaravati Issue, Says Constitutional Decisions Must Not Be Disregarded

Cites Amaravati to Stress That Constitutional Decisions Backed by Parliament Must Be Respected

New Delhi: The Telugu Desam Party backed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 during its discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. TDP MP Vijay Chintakayala said the proposed transition from “Kerala” to “Keralam” demonstrates how names can represent cultural heritage, emotional connections and constitutional identity.

Vijay noted that “Keralam” is rooted in the state’s traditional Malayalam identity. According to him, the proposal goes beyond changing the state’s name and represents an important step towards recognising its linguistic and cultural character constitutionally.

He said India’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths and stressed that the federal system requires respect for the unique language, culture and identity of every state.

Vijay also cited his own party’s name as an example of the emotional importance of identity, pointing out that the word “Telugu” in Telugu Desam Party reflects Telugu pride. He recalled Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao’s contribution to advancing Telugu identity.

Turning to Amaravati, Vijay said names can carry significant emotional value and maintained that decisions receiving constitutional recognition should not be ignored. Referring to the proposal to replace Amaravati with “MAVIGUN”, he questioned the rationale behind disregarding a decision that had already secured Parliament’s 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.