Patna: Unruly scenes were witnessed outside Patna airport this morning as supporters of Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Rajya Sabha member R.K. Sinha got involved in a heated exchange.  The clash took place after the party decided to field Prasad from the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat.


Reports say violence erupted soon after Prasad landed at the airport from Delhi. He was being welcomed by his supporters waiting outside.

With Sinha being contentiously left out, his supporters showed Prasad black flags and shouted slogans against him. “Hawa Hawai neta wapas jao, Ravi Shankar Prasad go back”.

Police and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel deployed at the airport dispersed the agitating mob.

Prasad will contest from the seat which was held by dissident BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha. There is speculation that Sinha is likely to join the Congress who wants to seek re-election from the same seat.

The Union minister ducked questions on the clash and drove away but told media persons: "I thank my party for considering me for this great responsibility. I will be giving my best shot. The BJPs commitment to nationalism and good governance will help Narendra Modi return to power."

RK Sinha is the founder of a prominent private security provider in the country.

In Bihar caste politics is of paramount importance and the BJP has weighed in the factor of pitting Prasad belonging to the Kayastha community, to which both the Sinhas also belong.

The opposition "Mahagathbandhan" in the state comprises of RJD, Congress and other smaller parties.

The BJP is contesting from 17 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar as part of the NDA.
WATCH: Hawa Hawai neta wapis jaao, BJP workers raise slogans against Ravi Shankar Prasad