Bengaluru: Forests minister B Ramanath Rai and BJP MLAs almost came to blows in the legislative assembly on Tuesday after the latter made remarks about the minister's physical appearance during the debate on DSP MK Ganapathi's suicide.

The trading of charges reached a flashpoint with some BJP MLAs darting towards the minister's seat, when he made a gesture as if to slap them. The situation was salvaged when chief minister Siddaramaiah, who was signing some files, looked up and saw the MLAs moving towards Rai.

He shouted out to the marshals that the MLAs were going to assault the minister and should be stopped. The marshals rushed to escort the legislators back to their seats. The issue was triggered when BJP members booed Rai when he took exception to their colleague and former speaker KG Bopaiah's statement that the state government tried to cover up Ganapathi's suicide by pressuring family members.

"Rogue elephants in Kodagu have killed over 18 persons there over the past few months. You first ensure the elephant menace in Kodagu is regulated before worrying about Ganapathi," an annoyed Bopaiah told Rai. The BJP members backed Bopaiah, taunting the minister by calling him "elephant minister"and "sleeping giant''. An irked Rai shot back, saying he was a six-time MLA and they should respect him. At this point, Laxman Savadi (BJP) said: "Gol Gumbaz too is 360 years old but that doesn't mean we should call the monument a grandfather." Rai countered: "I don't stoop to your level of watching porn in the House."In 2012, Savadi was caught watching a porn clip on a cellphone with two other ministers, CC Patil and J Krishna Palemar.

An infuriated Savadi shot back: "I admit I watched porn in the House. It was a grave mistake. I wasted no time in tendering my resignation. If you have the guts, ensure minister KJ George resigns and contests again (Ganapathi named George along with two senior IPS officers for harassing him and driving him to suicide). Then I will bow before him.''

Rai turned to CT Ravi (BJP): "I know the role you played in DSP Kallappa Handibag's suicide."Ravi challenged the minister to place all evidence in the House to prove it. This resulted in a ruckus in the House with Congress and BJP members shouting at each other and Rai challenging BJP members to come out of their seats and fight. The BJP MLAs rushed to the well of the House and stood in front of him, daring him to assault them.

Siddaramaiah and speaker KB Koliwad had to intervene and asked members to maintain decorum. Marshals were summoned to take the MLAs to their seats. The BJP demanded Rai tender an apology for making disparaging remarks, before the House was adjourned for lunch.