Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Samik Bhattacharya has formally called for the renaming of West Bengal to “Paschim Banga,” arguing that the state should adopt its indigenous linguistic designation. The proposal surfaced during legislative discussions surrounding the Keralam Bill, drawing a direct parallel between the cultural assertions currently taking place in Kerala and the linguistic identity of the Bengali-speaking region.
The demand seeks to replace the English colonial-era designation “West Bengal” with the Bengali translation, “Paschim Banga,” in all official capacities. Bhattacharya’s proposal frames the name change not merely as a semantic shift, but as a necessary step in reclaiming regional identity and aligning the state’s official nomenclature with the language spoken by its people.
The Legislative Catalyst
The impetus for this proposal was the debate over the Keralam Bill, a legislative effort in Kerala aimed at formalizing the state’s name as “Keralam” rather than the English “Kerala.” As the discourse on the Keralam Bill gained momentum, Bhattacharya leveraged the conversation to highlight a perceived inconsistency in how different Indian states manage their official identities.
Bhattacharya argued that if Kerala is moving toward a more linguistically authentic designation to reflect its cultural heritage, West Bengal should follow suit. The proposal suggests that the continued use of “West Bengal” is a vestige of administrative convenience from the British Raj and the subsequent partition, which does not fully encapsulate the cultural and linguistic pride of the state’s inhabitants.
Why the Proposal Matters
The push for “Paschim Banga” is significant because it touches upon the intersection of language, law, and political identity in India. For decades, several Indian states have grappled with the tension between their English names—often established or standardized during British rule—and their native names.
By linking the demand to the Keralam Bill, Bhattacharya is attempting to establish a regional precedent. If one state successfully navigates the legal and administrative hurdles of renaming itself to a native form, it lowers the political cost for other states to do the same. This move signals a shift toward “linguistic sovereignty,” where the state’s identity is defined by its own people rather than by an external or colonial administrative framework.
Furthermore, the proposal arrives at a time when regional identity is a potent political tool. In West Bengal, where the Bengali language and culture are central to the political narrative, the adoption of “Paschim Banga” could be framed as a victory for cultural preservation and a rejection of colonial legacies.
Background and Context
The history of state naming in India is deeply intertwined with the linguistic reorganization of states in 1956. While many states were formed along linguistic lines, the official names used in the Constitution and by the central government often remained in English or were Anglicized versions of native names.
West Bengal, created following the partition of Bengal in 1947, has operated under its English name for nearly eight decades. However, within the state, the term “Paschim Banga” is already widely used in local governance, education, and daily conversation. The transition from a colloquial preference to an official legal mandate is the core of Bhattacharya’s demand.
This is not an isolated phenomenon in India. The most prominent example remains the renaming of Madras State to Tamil Nadu in 1969, a move that was driven by a similar desire to assert a distinct linguistic and cultural identity (literally “Land of the Tamils”). More recently, the renaming of Orissa to Odisha and Pondicherry to Puducherry reflect a broader national trend of correcting colonial spellings or adopting native phonetics.
Analysis:
The push for “Paschim Banga” reflects a recurring theme in Indian regional politics where linguistic identity is used as a tool for cultural assertion. By invoking the Keralam Bill, the proposal attempts to create a precedent for linguistic nomenclature at the state level. This move aligns with a larger trend of states seeking to decouple their official identities from colonial-era English designations in favor of indigenous terms.
From a political strategy perspective, such proposals often serve to consolidate a base by appealing to regional pride. While the administrative cost of renaming a state—updating passports, land records, signage, and official seals—is substantial, the symbolic value often outweighs the financial burden for political actors. By framing the issue as a matter of “identity” and “decolonization,” proponents can pivot the conversation away from the logistical challenges and toward a narrative of cultural liberation.
What to Watch Next
The trajectory of the “Paschim Banga” proposal will likely depend on two factors: the final outcome of the Keralam Bill and the response from the state government and the central government in New Delhi.
Observers should monitor whether the proposal gains traction among other members of the Legislative Assembly or if it remains a solitary call for action. If the proposal moves toward a formal resolution in the state assembly, it will require a constitutional amendment or a formal request to the Union Government, as the names of states are listed in the First Schedule of the Constitution of India.
Additionally, the reaction from the public and civic organizations will be telling. While linguistic pride is high, some may view the move as a symbolic gesture that diverts attention from more pressing economic or administrative issues.
Conclusion
Samik Bhattacharya’s call to rename West Bengal to Paschim Banga is more than a request for a name change; it is a challenge to the lingering colonial structures of Indian administration. By tying the proposal to the Keralam Bill, Bhattacharya has positioned the debate within a wider national movement toward linguistic authenticity. Whether this proposal evolves into a legislative reality or remains a point of political discourse, it underscores the enduring power of regional identity in the Indian political landscape.
Sources:
India Today – India: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/west-bengal-rename-demand-samik-bhattacharya-seeks-paschim-banga-during-keralam-bill-debate-ptag-2969749-2026-08-12?utm_source=rss
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Story synopsis gathered from: India Today – India — source
