- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Modi and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath.
- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the press conference after the MP-UP cooperation conference.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the Cooperation Conference in Varanasi, the holy city of Kashi Vishwanath, is a privilege for Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This event will set a new benchmark in export cooperation, cultural heritage, and religious tourism. The conference focused primarily on connecting One District-One Product, GI-tagged products, exportable products, traditional crafts, and regional specialties with national and international markets. Special emphasis was placed on promoting the unique products of both states, promoting their branding, marketing, and export. Discussions were held with the aim of giving new impetus to industrial cooperation, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and tourism development. He stated that both states have resolved to take a giant leap towards prosperity and development through mutual coordination and cooperation. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was speaking to media representatives in Varanasi after the conference. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav thanked Prime Minister Shri Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the success of the conference, and thanked Uttar Pradesh Ministers Shri Nand Gopal Gupta “Nandi” and Shri Rakesh Sachan.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna have an unbreakable bond with both states. After his incarnation, Lord Shri Ram spent a long period of exile in the regions of Madhya Pradesh. After Mathura, Lord Shri Krishna also came to Ujjain to receive education. Additionally, numerous centers of religious faith exist on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Given this commonality of religious faith, efforts will be made to develop a religious circuit between the two states.
- Participation of various industrial organizations and business institutions
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the conference’s objective was to provide a broad and common platform for ODOP, GI tag, crafts, agriculture and food producers, industry, investors, artisans, and policymakers. A total of approximately 400 participants attended the event. The wide participation of participants from various fields made the event a powerful and effective platform for dialogue, collaboration, and sharing of experiences.
- The conference provided an opportunity for direct interaction between artisans, entrepreneurs and exporters.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the platform was designed purely for the exchange and mutual learning of ODOP products, where artisans, entrepreneurs and exporters from both states got an opportunity for direct interaction. The program emerged as an important initiative towards ODOP exchange-based exhibition, collaboration between states, common branding, joint exports and giving national and international recognition to local products.
- Important MoUs signed
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav attended the conference and signed two important MoUs between the Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh governments. The first MoU was signed between the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Special Area Development Authority and the Shri Mahakal Temple Management Committee. Development work undertaken in Varanasi and Ujjain under the Smart City Project, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has led to an unprecedented increase in religious tourism in both places. This has resulted in a transformation in the economies of both cities. Given these similarities, this MoU was signed to share experiences related to the management of the Baba Vishwanath and Mahakal temples. The second MoU aimed to strengthen the One District-One Product initiative, gain national recognition for local products, and accelerate economic development through interstate cooperation.
- Organising a special exhibition
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also organized a special exhibition on ODOP products at the conference. The exhibition showcased “One District One Product (ODOP)” products from 14 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 07 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Exhibitors from both the states displayed handicrafts, textiles, food products, GI tagged products and other local specialty products.
- Two parallel sessions were held at the conference.
The conference also held two parallel sessions. The Joint Artisan Workshop featured direct interaction between artisans from Chanderi and Maheshwari brands in Madhya Pradesh and Banarasi silk artisans from Uttar Pradesh. Traditional weaving techniques, design innovations, shared branding strategies, joint buyer outreach, improved packaging, quality standards, and export-oriented product development were discussed. The second parallel session was a Tourism Roundtable Conference, which saw active participation from senior officials from the tourism departments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, leading air operators, and representatives from the IRCTC. This initiative proved effective in organizing religious tourism in both states, enhancing the tourist experience, and strengthening local economic activities.
- The epic play Vikramaditya will be staged at Kashi Vishwanath Dham on April 3, 4 and 5.
The Madhya Pradesh government’s Culture Department and the Vikramaditya Research Institute are striving to bring to the attention of people across the country the various aspects of Emperor Vikramaditya’s life and his towering personality. To this end, the Mahanritya Vikramaditya is being staged at Kashi Vishwanath Dham on April 3, 4, and 5. This play will better showcase Vikramaditya’s love for justice, kindness, good governance, and deep faith in democracy. The play will feature elephants, horses, camels, and palanquins. 300 to 400 artists will bring to life the era of Emperor Vikramaditya. We are receiving the full support of the Uttar Pradesh government for this event.
- Both states are also moving towards working jointly in the field of solar energy.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project will play a vital role in providing water for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial activities in both states. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are also moving toward joint work in the field of solar energy.
- The conference became an effective platform for cultural integration
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the MP-UP Cooperation Conference has become an effective platform for development and cultural coordination for both states. The conference strengthened mutual cooperation between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This initiative played a significant role in attracting investment, creating new employment opportunities, preserving traditional crafts, promoting exports, and promoting tourism development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will move towards establishing new dimensions of economic progress by strengthening regional balanced development.
- Inspection of preparations for the epic play ‘Samrat Vikramaditya’
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited the BLW grounds in Varanasi and meticulously inspected the preparations for the grand drama “Samrat Vikramaditya,” to be held from April 3 to 5. The Chief Minister reviewed the venue’s arrangements, stage decorations, and audience facilities and issued necessary instructions to officials. This event, which brings to life the timeless history of Maharaja Vikramaditya, a symbol of justice and valor, is not only an excellent confluence of art but also a powerful medium for the revival of our glorious heritage.