Mon Dec 01 10:50:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

The article discusses the resurgence of internal conflict within the BJP in Puttur, Karnataka, ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. Hindutva activist Arun Kumar Puthila, who previously contested as a rebel candidate and significantly impacted the BJP’s vote share in 2023, has hinted at a potential repeat if his demands aren’t met. Despite attempts at reconciliation after the Lok Sabha elections, tensions remain high, with Puthila’s loyalists being sidelined and Puthila himself issuing ultimatums regarding leadership. The article highlights a history of BJP leaders rebelling in Puttur, suggesting a pattern of internal dissent. The upcoming local body elections are seen as a crucial test of Puthila’s commitment to the party.

News Article:

BJP Faces Internal Strife in Puttur Ahead of 2028 Elections

Mangaluru, December 1, 2025 – Fissures have reappeared within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Puttur, Karnataka, raising concerns about the party’s prospects in the upcoming 2028 Assembly elections. The discord centers around Hindutva activist Arun Kumar Puthila, who contested as an independent candidate in the 2023 elections after being denied a BJP ticket. His strong showing led to the Congress victory of Ashok Kumar Rai in Puttur.

Puthila, whose independent candidacy garnered a significant 37.06% of the vote in 2023, has hinted at a potential repeat performance if his supporters desire it. This comes despite attempts at reconciliation ahead of the last Lok Sabha elections, which saw Puthila’s faction merge back into the BJP.

The situation has been further complicated by recent moves within the party, including the replacement of several general secretaries loyal to Puthila in both the Puttur city and rural units. Puthila has publicly stated that he would lead the united units to victory if they merge.

Sources within the BJP suggest that loyalists of Puthila have been noticeably absent from recent party events, indicating continued discontent.

This is not the first time the BJP has faced internal rebellion in Puttur. Former MLAs K. Rama Bhat and T. Shakuntala Shetty have also rebelled against the party.

The upcoming local body elections are expected to be a crucial indicator of whether Puthila will remain within the BJP fold or once again challenge the party’s authority, potentially impacting the BJP’s chances in the 2028 Assembly elections.

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