Parliament Monsoon Session Day 17 LIVE: Lok Sabha passes two more Bills including one to rename Kerala as 'Keralam'

On August 11, 2026, the Lok Sabha passed two additional bills during its Monsoon session, including the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill 2026, which proposes to rename the state of Kerala as "Keralam." The session saw heightened tensions as opposition members staged protests, raising slogans and carrying placards demanding the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the House. The House reconvened at 2 p.m., amid ongoing disruptions, with opposition members also expressing concern over allegations of stolen donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Both bills were approved without formal debate, following which the House was adjourned for the day. Among the bills cleared by the Lok Sabha so far, only two received detailed discussions, while the rest were passed without deliberation amidst continuous opposition demonstrations. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill 2026 was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who expressed disappointment that senior leaders from Kerala had not taken advantage of the opportunity to address the proposal. The bill aims to officially change the name of the state, a move that sparked controversy among some political factions. Following the passage of the Kerala bill, Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol moved the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was also approved without further discussion. During the proceedings, Nityanand Rai, a BJP leader, criticized the Congress Party for its protest against the name-change bill, suggesting that the opposition's stance was politically motivated. The House remained tense throughout the session, with opposition members continuing their demonstrations outside the chamber. In the Rajya Sabha, debates unfolded around the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, introduced by Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal. AAP MP Sanjay Singh opposed the bill, raising concerns about the representation of Dalit and Adivasi communities in high courts and alleging systemic corruption within the National Company Law Tribunals (NCLTs). He argued that the proposed reforms could grant excessive power to the central government over these bodies. Conversely, MP Swati Maliwal supported the bill, emphasizing its importance in addressing the long waits faced by ordinary citizens seeking justice. Meanwhile, AIADMK MP I.S. Inabdurai, speaking in support of the Tribunals Reforms Bill, highlighted the Cauvery water dispute and urged the central government to take a proactive role in resolving regional conflicts. His remarks underscored the broader implications of the reform agenda beyond legal procedures, linking them to socio-political challenges affecting multiple states. The Lok Sabha session concluded with the House adjourned until August 12, 2026, as opposition members continued their protests. The session reflected the growing polarization within parliamentary proceedings, with legislative measures often passing without substantial debate due to the disruptive nature of opposition activities. As the session progresses, the focus will likely shift towards other pending bills and the outcomes of upcoming debates in both houses of parliament.