Puttur: BJP–Puthila Parivar rift deepens as VP Prasanna Kumar Marta is forced out of Srinivasa Kalyanotsava

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, December 1, 2025: Tensions between BJP leaders and members of the Puthila Parivar faction escalated further in Puttur after workers allegedly forced out the Dakshina Kannada BJP vice-president, Prasanna Kumar Marta, during the Srinivasa Kalyanotsava event.

According to reports, Puthila Parivar workers displayed high drama during the religious programme and reportedly pushed out the very founder-president of the Srinivasa Kalyanotsava. BJP district vice-president Prasanna Kumar Marta, who had arrived with his family on the invitation of the organisers, was also allegedly forced out at the entrance of the venue.

Marta stated that leaders from the Puthila Parivar themselves had come to his residence and invited him to attend the celebration. However, once he reached the venue on Sunday, workers humiliated him by refusing him entry.

Deeply emotional over the incident, Marta later visited the Puttur Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, where he broke down in tears while offering prayers. Speaking to the media, he said he prayed not for punishment to those who insulted him but for them to be granted wisdom.

He said, “Even when I was part of the Puthila Parivar, I always worked for the entire Hindu community. Even after becoming BJP district vice-president, my priority has been to unite Hindu society.”

Marta alleged that after recent political developments, some members of the Puthila Parivar have been pressurising him to resign from the BJP. “Despite this, they personally invited me to the Srinivasa Kalyanotsava. I attended with my family as requested. But at the gate, workers humiliated me and pushed me out,” he said.

He added that the incident had deeply affected his family. “My wife broke down in tears on the premises of the Mahalingeshwara Temple. The humiliation caused by Puthila Parivar workers has pained us deeply,” he said.

Marta claimed someone had instigated the workers to behave this way. “Whoever made them do this, let the Lord give them wisdom,” he said. He added that he would reveal the name of the person who pressured him to resign from the BJP in the coming days.

Following the incident, BJP State President Vijayendra reportedly telephoned him to express solidarity. BJP MLAs and senior leaders from the district have also reached out to offer support.