Sharad Pawar assaulted at NDMC auditorium in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar was on Thursday slapped by a man, who had attacked former telecommunications minister Sukh Ram here four days ago. Pawar was attacked at the NDMC Centre here.

The Sikh man also took out his kirpan when security guards tried to overpower him and whisk him away. It is being reported that he has been taken in police custody.

He identified himself as Harvinder Singh from Rohini and runs a transport business. He told media that he attacked the minister to vent his anger on sky-rocketing prices of essential commodities.

It is believed that he also attacked former Union minister Sukhram on Saturday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke to Pawar after he was attacked. "The prime minister spoke to Sharad Pawar and condemned the assault on him," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

Meanwhile, leaders of all political parties have condemned the attack on Pawar.