MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Tuesday visited Varanasi to attend the MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan (Cooperation Conference), and asserted that MP and UP will together ‘script a new chapter of development.’ During the visit, CM Dr Yadav offered prayers at the revered Kashi Vishwanath temple and toured the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, and also reviewed crowd flow design, as well as infrastructure and pilgrim management systems. 

CM discusses with officials on temple premises

On the temple premises, CM Dr Yadav held discussions with officials and examined detailed presentations on crowd management, arrangements for darshan and the use of cell phone applications to streamline pilgrim services. He also interacted with devotees present on temple premises and visited several ghats of the Ganga River to offer prayers. 

CM Dr Yadav lauded the corridor’s management in an interaction with the media. He noted that the initiative, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, has transformed the city, adding that cooperation from the general public played a crucial role in its success. 

MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan: Focus laid on religious tourism and small industries

CM Dr Yadav commended the success of the Ek Zila, Ek Utpaad initiative in UP and attributed its progress to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He further said both states would explore avenues to ramp up cooperation in religious tourism and small-scale industries. Drawing parallels, he pointed to UP’s Banarasi saree legacy and MP’s traditional textiles such as Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees. 

“Insights from Kashi Vishwanath pivotal for Simhastha preps”: CM

The Chief Minister underscored that insights drawn from the Kashi Vishwanath corridor would help shape preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain, slated to be held in 2028. He shed light on the importance of efficient crowd management and seamless arrangements for pilgrims. Furthermore, he said that infrastructure projects like Mahakal Lok in Ujjain and the Kashi corridor have brought significant economic and social transformation to religious cities. 

Kashi visit conducted for employment, growth

CM Dr Yadav then emphasised that the broader aim of his visit was to boost employment opportunities, improve livelihoods and ensure better pricing for local products through enhanced coordination between industries of both states. He also revealed plans for a cultural showcase in Varanasi, including a theatrical production centred on the life of King Vikramaditya. 

The programme will be held from April 3 to 5, 2026, and will feature 400 artists. Calling it an era of cooperation rather than rivalry, CM Dr Yadav said both states are working in consonance on key projects, including linking of rivers and solar initiatives, to ensure shared prosperity.

Also read: MP CM Dr Yadav visits Varanasi, offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple