general secretary Anil Rai, believed to be close to the BJS's breakaway faction, in full public view near the Government Circuit House in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh [Images].

Party sources said Bharti was infuriated when Rai disturbed a meeting between Bharti and several persons by repeatedly calling them on their mobile phones.

Rai, who is a supporter of the BJS breakaway faction led by Prahlad Patel, was asking people to come out of the meeting, and that annoyed Bharati, sources said.

Bharti asked Rai to get down from his car and slapped him twice in front of people and party workers.

However, Bharti later told a press conference that Rai was like her brother and she had a right to "love or hit him".

"Rai was violating the model code of conduct and therefore, invited my wrath," she said.

However, Bharti refused to disclose how Rai violated the model code of conduct.

Rai, who was also present at the press conference said Bharti was like his elder sister and she had the right to "beat him or love him".

Bharti also paid a visit to Rai's residence after the incident.