Varanasi (UP), March 31 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted key agreements signed with Uttar Pradesh on religious tourism and promoting local products, and said the two states are rapidly progressing on the path of development.
Speaking at the MP-UP Cooperation Conference 2026 here, Madhya Pradesh CM Yadav said the event would provide a strong foundation for future economic, industrial, and tourism opportunities between the two states.
Yadav also asserted that Madhya Pradesh was now free from Naxalism, which has accelerated industrial growth and investment in the state.
The Centre had set a deadline to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism on Tuesday, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah declaring the day before that the country has become free of Naxal violence.
Highlighting key outcomes of the conference, he said a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust and the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Trust to improve temple management, streamline darshan arrangements, and enhance facilities for devotees.
He said that Varanasi and Ujjain hold special religious and cultural significance, and major development initiatives have been launched in both cities to tap their tourism potential.
Yadav added that the two states share geographical, cultural, spiritual, and historical links, and the cooperation conference would pave the way for future collaboration.
Another agreement was reached between the two states to promote the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, aimed at giving local products greater visibility in national and international markets.
Yadav added that preparations were underway to build a Unity Mall in Ujjain at a cost of Rs 284 crore, which will provide a platform for ODOP products.
He said that the Ken-Betwa river linking project is benefiting both states by improving irrigation and drinking water supply in the Bundelkhand region. Yadav added that joint work is being undertaken on a 2,000 MW solar project.
He also praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his "good governance" in the state and lauded officials for notable work in law and order and development.
Yadav said that India is emerging as a strong nation, symbolizing stability, potential, and trust under the leadership of the Prime Minister, and is moving towards becoming the world's third-largest economy. Industrialists, MSME representatives, artisans, and officials from both states were present at the event.