A brawl broke out at a city hotel Saturday between tour operators from New Delhi and a local group in the presence of union Tourism Minister Shripad Yesso Naik.
The incident took place at Hotel Rivatas in the temple town over some concessions and other issues being demanded by local tour operators.
The fight broke out even as a red-faced Naik looked on helplessly. He later left the event -- a two-day national convention -- in a huff, letting his displeasure be known to the organisers.
Tourist Guides' Federation of India had organised event to discuss various opportunities offered by the new central government and to work towards making the tourism sector more attractive and financially lucrative.
Varanasi is the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the union government is keen on promoting tourism in the city.