MP–UP Sahayog Sammelan to Strengthen Future Opportunities: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that Kashi Vishwanath Dham is among the seven sacred places of the world and also the karmabhoomi of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Under his leadership, the country is steadily progressing. India has emerged as a strong nation symbolising stability, opportunities and trust. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India is moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He said that just as Varanasi holds great religious and cultural significance, Ujjain too has a special spiritual importance. Recognising immense potential of religious tourism in both cities, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has initiated major development works. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh share geographical, cultural, spiritual and historical ties, and both states are moving forward with their shared heritage. In this context, the MP–UP Sahayog Sammelan will provide a strong foundation for future possibilities. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the inaugural session of the Sammelan in Varanasi on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated the Sammelan at Hotel Ramada in Varanasi by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The Sammelan was organised to provide a common platform for the industrial strengths, traditional crafts, ODOP and GI-tagged products, agricultural and food products, investment opportunities and tourism potential of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

In the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, MoUs were signed between the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust and Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Trust and between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to promote cooperation in the field of ODOP products. On the occasion, office-bearers of various industrial organisations of Uttar Pradesh extended a warm welcome to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav.

Nation Bids Final Goodbye to Naxalism

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that with the resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the country has effectively dealt a final blow to Naxalism. He said this was a major challenge for the establishment of democracy and added that Madhya Pradesh has now become Naxal-free, which will further accelerate development and industrial activities in the state.

He also praised Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath for establishing a strong model of good governance in the state, noting that the officers of Uttar Pradesh have done commendable work in strengthening law and order while promoting development.

Ken–Betwa River Linking Project Important for Both States

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh is emerging as a centre of new opportunities with policy-based transparency, a vast land bank for industries, reliable power supply, strong connectivity and an investor-friendly environment. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, work on the Ken–Betwa River Linking Project has begun. The project will benefit Bundelkhand in Madhya Pradesh as well as districts in Uttar Pradesh, providing irrigation and drinking water facilities. He said both states are also working together on a 2000 MW solar energy project in Morena. Preparations are underway for the organisation of Simhastha in Madhya Pradesh, and studying the arrangements of the historic Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor will help improve management for Simhastha.

Vast Investment Opportunities in Madhya Pradesh

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Madhya Pradesh government is moving forward with a focused approach, giving top priority to industry and investment. After observing 2025 as the Year of Industry and Employment, the state is placing special emphasis on agriculture in 2026. The irrigation area in the state has increased to 55 lakh hectares, and Madhya Pradesh offers immense opportunities for industrial investment. The state’s exports have crossed ₹70,000 crore, and the number of medical colleges has increased to 40. The state government is also providing 30 acres of land on a lease of ₹1 for opening hospitals.

ODOP Program Boosting Exports in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Shri Rakesh Sachan said that Uttar Pradesh is one of the largest states in the country and has witnessed significant transformation during the nine years of governance under Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath. Infrastructure has developed rapidly, and the state has 9.6 million MSME units, which provide employment to three crore people after agriculture. He said that the ODOP (One District One Product) program, launched in 2018, has significantly boosted the state’s exports. Three international trade fairs have already been organised to showcase ODOP products, and interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh are being provided to help connect youth with employment opportunities. Minister Shri Sachan mentioned that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation of a major PM MITRA Park in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, and a Textile Park on 100 acres in Varanasi is also proposed.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s Visit to Kashi a Pleasant Occasion

Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development and Investment Promotion Minister Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ said that the visit of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, a devoted follower of Baba Mahakal, to the city of Baba Vishwanath is a pleasant coincidence. He described Dr. Yadav as a popular leader whose administrative decisions reflect discipline and accountability.

He said the Sammelan is a clear example of deep understanding between the two states. Regions like Baghelkhand, Gwalior–Chambal, and Bundelkhand share close ties with Uttar Pradesh. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a prime destination for investors.

Madhya Pradesh Wins National Silver Medal in ODOP

Principal Secretary, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Shri Raghvendra Kumar Singh, said that the objective of the conference is to strengthen the One District One Product (ODOP) concept by giving each district a unique identity based on its products, skills and traditions, while also generating employment and boosting exports. All 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh have identified ODOP products, benefiting lakhs of artisans and farmers. Sales of ODOP products through self-help groups have crossed ₹500 crore, and the state’s exports have exceeded ₹65,000 crore. So far, 26 products from Madhya Pradesh have received GI tags, and the state has won a silver medal at the national level in ODOP. A Unity Mall costing ₹284 crore will be constructed in Ujjain, which will be the largest ODOP showcase in Central India.

Tourism Round Table Focuses on Spiritual Tourism Circuit

Addressing a Tourism Round Table Session under the MP–UP Sahayog Sammelan, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said both states are ushering in a new era of spiritual and religious tourism. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are jointly developing a shared religious tourism circuit, which will accelerate tourism and provide devotees with a seamless and enriching pilgrimage experience.

He highlighted that Madhya Pradesh offers extensive opportunities for investment in tourism. With a progressive tourism policy and strong infrastructure, the state provides an ideal environment for investors. The government is promoting Ease of Doing Business and ensuring end-to-end support with simplified approval processes.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to introduce intra-state air connectivity services, including PM Shri Tourism Air Service and PM Shri Heli Tourism Service, which will make access to remote religious destinations faster and more convenient.

Exhibition Showcases Craft Heritage of Both States

An exhibition featuring key products of artisans from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh was organised at the conference venue. The exhibition showcased bamboo craft, metal craft, textile art and jute products, highlighting the craftsmanship of artisans and small-scale industries.

Various ODOP and GI-tagged products from both states were showcased on a shared platform. While the states may be different, the brilliance of their artisans’ craftsmanship remains equally impressive.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with artisans.

Products displayed included Varanasi soft-stone craft, zari work, Banarasi blankets and sarees, wooden crafts, glass bead products and pink meenakari crafts.

From Madhya Pradesh, products included banana fibre items, millet products from Dindori and Mandla, jute and zari-zardozi products from Bhopal, Panja durries from Sidhi, bamboo products from Rewa, Bharewa metal craft from Betul, textile products made by women self-help groups in Shivpuri, Maheshwari handloom and boutique prints from Ujjain, and Chanderi sarees.