Kochi: The Congress and CPM workers clashed after rotten eggs were flung at V T Balram, MLA, of the Congress at Kanjirathani in Trithala in Palakkad today.

This resulted in police using batons to disperse the clashing workers. A few were injured in the clash and police action.

CPM, DYFI and Congress workers had gathered at the venue where Balram was to attend a function.

As soon as Balram reached, CPM and DYFI workers started raising slogans against him and the Congress.

Soon the workers started hurling eggs on him provoking Congress workers. Workers on either side suffered injuries in the clash and police action.

Meanwhile, the Congress-led UDF has called a hartal in Trithala on Thursday.

Soon after incident Balram said he would not apologise for his remarks against legendary CPM leader AK Gopalan.

CPM had the other day attacked Balram’s office as a protest against his objectionable comments against AK Gopalan whom he likened to a paedophile for falling in love with a 13-year-old. He married Susheela later.

Firebrand Congress leader K Sudhakaran and BJP leader Surendran strongly backed Balram.

They said Gopalan was not a holy cow who should be referred to despite his ill doings.