Puttur: Arun Puthila’s presence at VHP event leads to heated altercation

Team Udayavani, Oct 23, 2024, 1:10 PM IST

Puttur: The Bhoomi Pooja ceremony for the new district office of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) was marred by tension on October 23, following the arrival of BJP leader Arun Puthila. Several Hindu organization activists expressed objections to his presence, leading to a heated exchange between the two groups.

The event, held at the former location of the VHP office near the SDCC Bank in Puttur, was attended by Sri Vidyaprasanna Teertha Swamiji of the Narasimhaswamy Samputa Matha, Kukke Subrahmanya, who officiated the Bhoomi Pooja.

Arun Kumar Puthila, who had rebelled against the BJP during the recent Assembly elections, arrived at the ceremony accompanied by three of his supporters. His presence, however, was met with opposition from certain activists of the VHP, Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Jagarana Vedike. As Puthila was alighting from his car, some activists confronted him, objecting to his participation in the event.

Anil Tenkila, General Secretary of the BJP Puttur City Unit, rushed to Puthila’s aid, engaging in a verbal altercation with the activists who were attempting to prevent Puthila from entering the venue. It is reported that key Hindu organization leaders such as Dinesh Panjiga, Sridhar Tenkila, Jayant Balnadu, and Jitesh Balnadu were among those opposing Puthila’s presence.

The situation was eventually brought under control by senior VHP leader U Poovappa, who arrived at the scene and escorted Puthila into the event hall. Local police from Puttur city station were deployed to ensure tight security. Arun Puthila stayed at the event for some time before leaving the venue.

Sources indicate that this incident is a continuation of the friction between some members of Hindu organizations and supporters of Puthila, which began during the recent elections.