Karnataka polls: These Hindutva leaders will take on BJP in this election

MANGALURU: While the coastal towns are often referred to as ‘Hindutva factories’, this election is witness to at least three prominent leaders contesting as independents or representing a party, rather than working for the BJP.
For the time being at least, the biggest setback for the BJP is in Puttur, with Arun Kumar Puthila contesting as an independent.Puthila, has worked for Hindu organisations, including the VHP and Bajrang Dal and is trying to cash in on Hindu sentiments. A massive turnout when he filed his nomination has reportedly been a cause of worry for the BJP that is said to be planning new strategies to deal with the tough situation.
Speaking to TOI, Puthila said, “A party must understand the sentiments of the karyakartas when selecting a candidate to contest polls. This time, the party decided to select a candidate against the wishes of the karyakartas and senior leaders of the party. I felt I should stand by the karyakartas. I am contesting based on Hindutva agenda. In the past five years, the Karyakartas were hurt and felt that their voices were not heard. In the past, leaders from Puttur won elections here based on Hindutva.”
Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik, who is contesting from Karkala constituency in Udupi district, has been maintaining that he is contesting to raise voice in favour of Hindutva in the legislative assembly and for the protection of Hindus. He feels that those who have won the election in the name of Hindutva have also been booking cases against Hindu activists.
Meanwhile, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) state general secretary Dharmendra has filed his nomination papers from Mangaluru City South and Mangaluru City North constituencies. “BJP is not a Hindutva party, they have several wings for minorities. Hindu Mahasabha does not give membership to Muslims. ABHM is a Hindu political party and the constitution of the party also says so,” he said, expressing confidence that he would be able to get more votes this time.
Senior BJP leaders refused to comment on this development.