Date:14/03/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/03/14/stories/2003031406211100.htm

National

BSP, SP activists clash

By Our Special Correspondent

A Samajwadi Party demonstrator and a BSP activist clash in front of a hotel in Mumbai on Thursday. -- Photo: Vivek Bendre

MUMBAI MARCH 13. Supporters of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) attacked each other in front of a five-star hotel here this evening, freely using bamboo shafts of their party flags. One woman sustained bleeding injuries.

The SP workers had gathered at the hotel where the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati, and her mentor, Kanshi Ram, were expected to arrive. As the motorcade reached the hotel, the SP workers charged forward, shouting slogans. The BSP workers, who were behind the official motorcade in three cars, rushed and clashed with the demonstrators.

The scuffle lasted more than 20 minutes despite the efforts of the police to separate them. It ended only after the BSP workers withdrew into a by-lane. A woman activist of the SP began bleeding following a blow to her face. Another demonstrator was seen smearing the blood on his face and shirt, apprently to show that he too was hurt.