BJP lawmakers come to blows in Uttar Pradesh

Sant Kabir Nagar (UP): Two elected representatives of the ruling BJP came to blows during the district planning committee meeting here Wednesday evening in full public glare.

The incident took place when the planning committee meeting was underway at the collectorate in the presence of minister in-charge of the district, Ashutosh Tandon.

BJP MP from Sant Kabir Nagar Sharad Tripathi and MLA from Mehdawal, Rakesh Baghel, got involved in a verbal duel over taking credit for a newly laid road. After a brief exchange of words, laced with abuses, both came to blows with one of them using a shoe to thrash the other, leaving officials and party leaders stunned.

The video clip of the incident surfaced on TV channels.

A senior police officer present in the meeting intervened to pacify the two and restore order as tempers ran high.

The BJP is yet to say what action it will take against the leaders. "We have taken

cognizance of this condemnable incident and both have been summoned to Lucknow. Strict disciplinary action will be taken," UP BJP president

MN Pandey told news agency ANI. Opposition leaders attacked the BJP over the disgraceful incident.