Arun Puthila to join BJP; Chowta's electoral prospects bolstered in DK

Bengaluru / Mangaluru: In a significant move that could potentially reshape political dynamics in Dakshina Kannada, Hindu leader Arun Kumar Puthila has received the green light to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The decision was reached during a meeting convened at the residence of BJP state president B Y Vijayendra on Thursday night.

Puthila, a prominent figure in Puttur, engaged in discussions with key BJP leaders at the state party office in Bengaluru before being warmly welcomed by Vijayendra at his residence. Following deliberations, it was agreed that Puthila would formally join the BJP on Friday at the BJP office in Mangaluru.

Puthila had previously openly expressed his discontent towards Nalin Kumar Kateel, the incumbent MP from Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency. Puthila had contested as an independent candidate during the 2023 Assembly Elections, garnering significant support with 62,458 votes, pushing BJP to the third position while Congress secured victory in the region.

Ahead of the upcoming elections, Puthila had warned that he would contest as an independent if Nalin was fielded by the BJP in Dakshina Kannada. However, with the saffron party nominating Brijesh Chowta, the inclusion of Puthila has been met with approval within BJP circles, signaling an end to factional discord in Puttur.

The Puthila Parivar, during a consultation meeting held on February 5, set a three-day deadline for BJP to decide about the merger. Failing to receive a timely response from BJP leaders, they had announced to compete independently.

It is gathered that Puthila has been assured of a respectable position within the party, a proposition to which he has reportedly agreed.

In a statement to the press, Puthila expressed his commitment to aligning the Puthila Parivar with the ideals of ‘Modi ka Parivar’, emphasizing collaboration with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the nation. He also pledged to exert collective efforts to secure a substantial victory margin for the BJP candidate in Dakshina Kannada.

The BJP’s nomination of Capt. Brijesh Chowta in the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, coupled with the unified support from the Puthila Parivar, has not only bolstered confidence within the party in Puttur but also in Dakshina Kannada as a whole.