Party-hopping intensifies in Kakinada as local elections begin

As nominations opened in Kakinada district, party-switching by aspirants has accelerated. Jana Sena Party allotted the Tuni municipality chairperson nomination to Meenakshi, a Telugu Desam Party member who recently defected to JS along with her husband Malla Ganesh.

The move reflects a pattern seen in local body elections where candidates shift allegiances to secure party tickets and improve their electoral prospects. Jana Sena's decision to field Meenakshi signals the party's strategy to absorb dissidents from rival camps ahead of the municipal polls.

Such ticket allotments immediately after defections are common during local election cycles, as parties seek to consolidate strength with fresh entrants who bring grassroots support and organizational networks to their new political homes.