Also watch| Kerala polls 2026: ‘Chuvarbot’ robot redefines political graffiti campaigns
However, George faced a setback in the 2021 Assembly elections, losing to LDF candidate Sebastian Kulathunkal of Kerala Congress (Mani).
This election, George is attempting a comeback, contesting on a BJP ticket for the first time. His shift comes after a fallout with sections of his Muslim support base in Erattupetta, a key pocket in the constituency.
Sebastian Kulathunkal, the sitting MLA, is approaching the contest with caution. While acknowledging George’s strong legacy in Poonjar, he expressed confidence in his own grassroots work, stating he expects to improve his winning margin compared to 2021.
George, on the other hand, continues to bank on his personal rapport with sections of Christian voters.
However, political observers suggest that his move to the NDA, coupled with controversies over his alleged remarks targeting the Muslim community, may lead to a division of votes — a claim George firmly rejects.
Kulathunkal, meanwhile, has accused George of attempting to polarise voters along communal lines, asserting that such strategies will not succeed in Poonjar.
Adding to the contest is the Congress-led UDF candidate M J Sebastian, also known as Saji Joseph. A relatively new face, he is optimistic about consolidating the UDF’s traditional support base and defeating his rivals.
With a three-cornered fight shaping up, the outcome in Poonjar is likely to depend on how votes consolidate across different communities.
The constituency will go to the polls on April 9, along with the rest of Kerala.