– Akhilesh Tripathi
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is set to establish a religious city encompassing seven districts, including Varanasi and Prayagraj. This initiative is part of the BJP’s broader politico-cultural agenda.
The BJP’s strategy includes a “religious plan,” which the UP government has started implementing. The establishment of this religious city is expected to consolidate the party’s influence by fostering cultural connections through Hindutva-related initiatives. Highlighting religious and cultural heritage, BJP seeks to strengthen its voter base, translating public sentiment into sustained electoral support.
The NITI Aayog, tasked with envisioning India’s economic trajectory toward a $30 trillion economy by 2047, has recommended formation of regional development authorities to drive growth. As part of this vision, UP government has proposed Varanasi-Prayagraj Religious City.
Spanning over 22,000 square kilometres and with a population of approximately 23.77 million, the city will encompass the districts of Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Ghazipur, and Jaunpur. This initiative aims to promote economic activity, create employment opportunities, and develop these regions into growth hubs.
The Housing Department has already presented a proposal for the Varanasi-Prayagraj Regional Development Authority to CM Adityanath. The Chief Minister has emphasised ensuring that local residents and youth benefit significantly from the development. The project focuses on integrating religious tourism with modern infrastructure to boost the region’s economic potential.
Key religious landmarks such as Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, and Sarnath, along with Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, are central to the project. Ghazipur’s northward-flowing Ganga and cultural attributes of other districts will also be leveraged to attract tourism and foster development.
According to the NITI Aayog report, the Varanasi-Prayagraj region’s current economic value is estimated at $22.8 billion. The establishment of new regional authority is anticipated to enhance economic activities, boost religious tourism, and provide significant employment opportunities for the local population.
The BJP envisions that the religious city will resonate with its cultural agenda, reinforcing public support for the party. By linking religious sentiments with economic development, it aims to cultivate a loyal voter base that aligns with its long-term political objectives. The initiative is also expected to project UP as a model state for combining cultural heritage with regional development.
While the groundwork for Varanasi-Prayagraj Religious City has begun, some procedural amendments are still required for formation of the regional development authority, according to UP Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh. The initiative’s success in delivering tangible benefits to the local population will determine its political and social impact.
BJP’s strategic efforts to connect religious heritage with regional growth are evident in this ambitious project. However, its ultimate success in achieving the desired political and developmental goals will only be clear over time.
