Clash Between Kanpur Mayor and MP at Airport in Presence of Defence Minister; Rajnath Singh Steps In to Calm Tempers

A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the Kanpur Airport on Sunday when Member of Parliament Ramesh Awasthi and Mayor Pramila Pandey engaged in a heated argument in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The altercation stemmed from a dispute over the construction and inauguration of a marriage hall built on Kanpur Municipal Corporation land in collaboration with a private organisation.

Tension Over Marriage Hall Project

The municipal corporation has constructed a 4,500 sq ft air-conditioned hall along with a 10,000 sq ft lawn at the front portion of Brijendra Swaroop Park, with assistance from JCI. The facility is intended to provide affordable venues for weddings and social events, especially for economically weaker families, at a rental of ₹11,000.

According to sources, the Mayor’s office had invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to inaugurate the hall. However, after learning about internal differences and objections, he withdrew from the programme a day earlier.

Airport Altercation in Full Public View

On Sunday, during the Defence Minister’s arrival at the Kanpur Airport, both the MP and the Mayor were present among other public representatives. As Rajnath Singh met the dignitaries, Mayor Pramila Pandey allegedly expressed displeasure, taking MP Ramesh Awasthi’s name directly. This triggered a sharp reaction from the MP.

An argument quickly escalated into a heated exchange, with both leaders accusing each other over the marriage hall issue. Witnesses said the situation nearly slipped out of control before the Defence Minister intervened personally, urging both leaders to calm down.

Programme Continues Without Rajnath Singh

Later in the evening, UP Legislative Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana formally inaugurated the marriage hall in place of the Defence Minister.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion in Kanpur’s political circles, highlighting deepening rifts within local leadership over developmental projects and public credit.