WATCH | Man hurls footwear at Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, gets thrashed

A man hurled footwear at Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday when the Biju Janata Dal leader was making a speech in a village in Bargarh district.

In footage published by Asian News International, Patnaik can be seen being escorted to safety.

Men swarmed around the attacker within seconds, and thrashed him.

Here's the video the news agency posted on its Twitter page.

#WATCH Shoes thrown towards Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik in Bargarh, the culprit was later thrashed and received injuries pic.twitter.com/6UNEkHmJKJ

ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2018

An Economic Times report says the attack "is being attributed to a supporter of the BJP, Karthik Meher," but also that the saffron party has denied involvement.

The man "refused to disclose his inspiration until he has eaten bhat or rice," the report said.

The attack on Patnaik comes three days ahead of Saturday's by-election in the Bijepur assembly constituency. It happened while he was campaigning in Kumbhari village.

In a tweet he posted late Tuesday evening, Patnaik said he was "touched by the love and affection" of the people of Kumbhari, but made no mention of the attack.

Touched by the love and affection of people of Kumbhari village, who fondly remember Biju Babu. I cherish the moments spent with them this evening. Their faith and respect has humbled me and is inspiring us to work harder. #JaiJagannath pic.twitter.com/dadLXwrIAd

Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 20, 2018

(Inputs from agencies)

NOTE: The photo above this article was not taken today, and has only been used for representation.