Hundreds of activists of Rashtriya Basava Dal, Congress party and the supporters of Home Minister M B Patil intercepted the press meet of Muddebihal BJP MLA A S Patil Nadahalli and attempted to assault him, here on Saturday.

Nadahalli had called the press meet to challenge the claims of Home minister on the irrigation projects during the tenure of Siddaramaiah government. He had brought some documents which he wanted to reveal to the media.

Even as Nadahalli was addrressing reporters, hundreds of people barged into the press meet, abusing him in filthy language and some hurled water bottles on the MLA.

On learning about the incident, the police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control by dispersing the crowd. An agitated Nadahalli alleged that the attack was planned and that Home Minister M B Patil was behind it. He later lodged a complaint with the police.

Superintendent of Police Prakash Nikkam confirmed that the MLA had lodged a complaint alleging that he was attacked by some persons. But he has not mentioned any names in the complaint, the SP said. He said the MLA would be given protection.