PERUMBAVOOR | JANUARY 20, 2026
In the rapidly evolving political landscape of Perumbavoor, clear signals are emerging that the Congress party is preparing to bet on young blood this time around. The name Ashwaraj Paul is resonating strongly across political circles. This is not just a name; Ashwaraj represents a blend of deep-rooted local tradition and youthful energy, making electoral discussions in the constituency increasingly intense.
Shift to New Faces?
If sitting MLA Eldhose Kunnappilly is not granted the seat this time, Ashwaraj Paul is poised to be the most formidable replacement. There is active demand within the High Command to provide opportunities to fresh faces, considering the generational shift in the party and the changing political dynamics of the constituency. When asked who has the popular grassroots support to replace Kunnappilly, political centers point squarely toward Ashwaraj Paul.
Traditional Strength Meets Youthful Spirit
Ashwaraj is a familiar face in the constituency, being the son of the late T.G. Paulos, who touched the hearts of the people as Vengoor Panchayat President. Following the political path cleared by his father, Ashwaraj has become a favorite among ordinary voters with his vision for development. Congress is searching for a leader who possesses both the reliability of political legacy and modern political consciousness.
The Kanugolu Report: A Favorable Wind
Speculation suggests that the ‘Kanugolu Report’ (Sunil Kanugolu’s survey), which will have the final say in candidate selection, is highly favorable toward Ashwaraj Paul. The report, which captures the grassroots sentiment of the constituency, reportedly gives high priority to Ashwaraj for his youthfulness and winnability. Kerala is now watching to see if Ashwaraj will become the next Malayali leader to join Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Youth Team.’
As discussions reach their final stage, only days remain to know whether Ashwaraj Paul will be the one to determine the political destiny of Perumbavoor.
Key Highlights
Speculation grows over Ashwaraj Paul replacing sitting MLA Eldhose Kunnappilly in Perumbavoor
Sunil Kanugolu’s internal survey reportedly places Ashwaraj at the top for his winnability
Legacy of late T.G. Paulos and strong local connections act as major advantages for Ashwaraj
High Command’s strategy to introduce fresh faces in key constituencies puts Ashwaraj in the spotlight
Congress seeks to retain the Perumbavoor bastion with youth-powered candidature
About the Constituency: Perumbavoor is a significant assembly constituency in Ernakulam district, Kerala, and has been a traditional Congress stronghold. The upcoming candidate selection process is being closely monitored by political observers across the state.
