The Palai Assembly Constituency consists of the Palai municipality and Bharananganam, Kadanad, Karoor, Kozhuvanal, Meenachil, Melukavu, Moonnilavu, Mutholy, Ramapuram, Thalanad and Thalappalam Panchayats in Meenachil Taluk and Elikkulam Panchayat in Kanjirappally Taluk. The constituency has been traditionally a UDF (United Democratic Front) stronghold, especially the Kerala Congress (Mani Fraction). However, the 2016 election could be tough for KM Mani because of the bar scam.
The constituency holds the record for having elected a person for a record time since its inception. Most of the panchayaths are ruled by the UDF. The majority of the people are Roman Catholics. Pala has many prestigious educational institutions; St. Thomas College, Alphonsa College, St. Joseph's Engineering College, St. Thomas Bed College, are some of them.