The counting of votes for the Poonjar assembly constituency in Kerala is underway, with early trends indicating a lead for Congress candidate Sebastian Kulathunkal. The election, held on May 4, 2026, saw a high voter turnout as residents cast their ballots to choose their representative.
Current Leading Candidates
As per the latest updates from the Election Commission, Sebastian Kulathunkal of the Indian National Congress is leading over his nearest rival, P C George of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The margin is expected to narrow as more rounds of counting are completed. Other candidates, including those from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and independent contenders, are trailing behind.
Key Issues in Poonjar
The Poonjar constituency, located in the Kottayam district, has traditionally been a Congress stronghold. However, the entry of P C George, a former Congress veteran who switched to the BJP, made this election a high-stakes contest. Key issues included local infrastructure development, agricultural support, and employment opportunities. The Congress campaign focused on welfare schemes and the party's track record, while the BJP emphasized national security and development agenda.
Voter turnout was reported at approximately 75%, reflecting the keen interest in this triangular contest. The final result is expected later today, with the winning candidate set to represent Poonjar in the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Stay tuned for more updates as the counting process continues.
