Possible scenarios:
1.GI was accosted by people sent by the leading Presidential contender to force GI to support the 'king'.
2.GI was attacked by over-enthusiatic supporters of the king without the knowledge of the king.
3.GI was attacked by thugs and took advantage of the situation to score a political goal.
4.GI was never attacked, he made up the story to seek attention or score political points.
5.Either number 3 or 4 above with a twist of GI working with political rivals of the king.