Eldhose Kunnappilly Reiterates Claim for Perumbavoor Seat, Congress Faces Local Protest

Kochi: Eldhose Kunnappilly has reiterated his claim for the Perumbavoor seat in the Assembly elections, urging Congress leadership not to exclude him among sitting MLAs.

Speaking to the media, Kunnappilly said he had requested the party leadership to ensure that he is not the only sitting MLA denied a ticket. He urged the Congress leadership to consider his application and prevent him from losing his sitting seat, adding that denying him the same consideration given to other sitting MLAs would disappoint the people.

Responding to questions about M Vincent, who was given a seat despite facing a sexual harassment case similar to kunnappilly, he said he too deserved the same consideration. He stated that he has been waiting for a decision for the past few days and expressed confidence that he could secure a strong victory if given the opportunity. “I have tried my best to explain the situation, but I don’t know who is creating obstacles. I am only asking for a chance to contest,” he said.

Meanwhile, local leaders and party workers have come out in support of Kunnappilly. A section of workers held a protest march in Perumbavoor town after gathering at the party office in Kuruppampady, raising banners reading “Perumbavoor stands with Kunnappilly.”

Supporters have also opposed the possible candidature of Manoj Moothedan, stating that they would not accept or back him as a candidate.

The unexpected developments in Perumbavoor come at a time when sitting MLAs were expected to be renominated in most constituencies except Thrippunithura. The open dissent by local leadership against the KPCC decision is seen as a major setback for the Congress ahead of the elections.