Visakhapatnam BJP Leader’s ‘Dummy’ Nomination Backfires as Wife Enters Election Fray

An unusual political situation has reportedly emerged in Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation’s Ward 54, where BJP district president Mantena Murali Naga Parashurama Raju is contesting as part of the alliance arrangement. According to the report, he had also arranged for his wife, Mantena Amrutha Palavalli Devi, to file a nomination as a backup in case his own electoral plans faced difficulties. However, he reportedly failed to withdraw her nomination before the deadline. By the time he approached election officials, the withdrawal period had ended, leaving his wife in the final contest as an independent candidate.

The unexpected development has turned the ward election into a husband-versus-wife contest and sparked jokes and sarcastic comments among local residents and on social media. People have humorously speculated about how the couple might campaign against each other while living under the same roof. Some have also questioned the political planning behind the episode. While the story has become a talking point because of its unusual circumstances, the final electoral outcome will depend on the voters of Ward 54.