The activists, who were travelling in several four-wheelers, were heading towards Hyderabad to meet the dissident MLAs camping at a star hotel.

Nearly 1,000 activists from different parts of Bidar were intercepted near the RTO check post at Zaheerabad and many of the leaders were arrested as a preventive measure by Chiragpalli police.

The BJP district unit had announced on Saturday that it was planning to send members to visit the MLAs to convince them to return to their respective constituencies and oversee the ongoing relief works.

The party activists were led by State Forest and Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Shankar Gowda Patil.

Former MLA Subhash Kallur, District General Secretary Revansidappa Jalade, party spokesperson Babu Wali, State Mahila Morcha Vice President Shakunatala Beldale, District Vice President Bhagwan Khuba were among those who were arrested and later released on bail.

In retaliation for being prevented from going to Hyderabad, the party activists celebrated the birthday of Leader of the Opposition L K Advani by staging a snap protest and cutting a cake for the senior BJP leader on the road.