Sankisa Buddhist Corridor: UP to Transform Mainpuri into Next Major Pilgrimage Hub
Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya announces the Sankisa Buddhist Corridor Project, aiming to transform the region into a major pilgrimage hub.
In a major move to boost spiritual tourism and infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has announced the ambitious Sankisa Buddhist Corridor Project. Speaking at a religious gathering in Mainpuri, the Deputy CM envisioned the development of the Sankisa pilgrimage site on a scale comparable to the transformations seen in Ayodhya, Mathura, and Kashi.
A Vision for Spiritual Infrastructure
The announcement came during the third day of a four-day Abhidhamma event held in Jasrajpur, within the Bhogaon area of Mainpuri. The event, which runs from October 24 to October 27, 2026, is a joint effort by the International Buddhist Forum, the International Buddhist Institute Lucknow, and the Youth Buddhist Society of India.
Highlighting the government's commitment to the region, Maurya detailed several key infrastructure and educational initiatives:
- The Buddhist Corridor: A planned corridor designed to seamlessly connect the districts of Mainpuri, Farrukhabad, and Etah.
- Highway Expansion: The government will work on upgrading the Sankisa-Aliganj road into a modern four-lane highway to facilitate easier access for pilgrims.
- Educational and Wellness Hubs: The Deputy CM pledged support for the establishment of a Pali Language Institute and a Vipassana meditation center, describing these facilities as essential rights for the local community.
Political Firestorm and Attacks on Congress
While the event was centered on spiritual growth, the Deputy Chief Minister did not shy away from sharp political commentary. Maurya launched a scathing attack on Congress leadership, specifically naming Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
He accused the Congress leadership of employing derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late parents. Maurya alleged that the Congress party has "lost its mental balance" and has turned to abusive politics as a result of dwindling public support.
Further dismissing the opposition's strategies, the Deputy CM questioned the impact of the upcoming INDIA bloc rally scheduled for November 1, 2026, asserting that the coalition lacks a genuine connection with the people.
Predictions for UP 2027
Looking ahead to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Keshav Prasad Maurya expressed absolute confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) dominance. He predicted that the BJP would secure a third consecutive term in the state with a two-thirds majority, while claiming that the Samajwadi Party would be "completely wiped out" in the polls.
Notable Attendees
The Abhidhamma event saw the presence of several prominent figures, including:
- MP Mukesh Rajput
- MLA Sushil Shakya
- District Panchayat President Monika Yadav
- MLA Dr. Surbhi
- Rahul Rajput, Sandeep Shakya, and Rupesh Gupta
The four-day event is set to conclude on October 27 with a traditional Sanghadan ceremony.