Atiq's stronghold and Kasari-Masari area of Prayagraj, where the name and influence of Bahubali-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed was once discussed, is now preparing to write the story of a new change. The plan to build houses for poor families is now moving forward on the land for which Atiq and his close relatives were accused of encroachment. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced to develop this area as Shri Krishnapuri. Through the Padmalok Housing Scheme, the government claims that the needy will now get houses on this land. Now the question is – will the identity of Kasari-Masari be able to change?
Where the rule of fear used to prevail, Shri Krishnapuri will settle there.
Kasari-Masari area of Prayagraj is once again in the news because of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's announcement on October 15, in which he announced to develop this area under the name of 'Shri Krishnapuri'. On October 15, 2026, Yogi performed the Bhoomi Pujan of Padmalok Housing Scheme on the land freed from the occupation of mafia Atiq Ahmed and his associates. Now the government is going to build multi-storey housing for poor families on the same land.
What is the story of Kasari-Masari?
Kasari-Masari is an old settlement located in Dhumanganj area of Prayagraj. Its history is not limited to Atiq Ahmed only. According to local belief, two real brothers named Kasari and Masari were Sufi saints, who came to Prayagraj from Ayodhya. Due to his service and popularity to the people, this area was named after him. However, the story related to the origin of this name should be seen as a local belief only. Families of the Muslim Gaddi community have also been living in the area for a long time. Over time, population and residential settlements developed on their ancestral lands.
What is Atiq's connection?
Kasari-Masari of Prayagraj had a family connection with Atiq Ahmed. The ancestral lands and old hideouts of his family are said to be in this area. Many relatives of the family also lived here. Later, Chakia's name surfaced among the major targets linked to Atiq's political and criminal influence. After the murder of Atiq and his brother Ashraf, both were buried in the graveyard of Kasari-Masari. This is the reason that as soon as the name of this settlement comes, the history of Atiq's family, his old places and the politics of Prayagraj also comes into discussion.
How did Atik become dominant in Kasari-Masari?
Bahubali-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed won the Allahabad West assembly seat as an independent candidate in 1989. After this he became MLA several times and in 2004 was elected Lok Sabha MP from Phulpur. Along with political reach, his name also kept appearing in serious criminal cases like murder, kidnapping, intimidation and extortion. The cases registered against him and the network of associates strengthened his image of influence in Prayagraj.
On which land will the houses of the poor be built?
According to Prayagraj Development Authority, about 9,811 square meters of land has been earmarked for this residential project. According to media reports, the authority had acquired this land in 1989, but the planned construction could not take place there for a long time. Reports have also revealed that a portion of the land is being used to keep Atiq's horses. Later the administration planned residential development on the land freed from encroachment. Now the process of preparing a multi-storey house at this place has been started.
Why politics in the name of Shri Krishnapuri?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on October 15 that Kasari-Masari will now be developed under the name of 'Shri Krishnapuri'. He said that the old name creates an image of butchers. It was also revealed that MLA Siddharth Nath Singh had demanded change of name. This announcement is not limited to naming only. Through this, the government has given a political message of shifting the identity of that area from the alleged dominance of Atik to development and housing.
How many flats will be built in Padmalok Yojana?
In the first phase of Padmalok Residential Scheme, 602 flats are to be built in a 14-storey residential complex. Each flat will have two bedrooms, hall and kitchen. The proposed area of each flat is 56.45 square meters. The project includes arrangements like parking, rainwater harvesting and solar system. According to reports, there are plans to develop housing for 598 additional families in the second phase. In this way, the target of providing houses to about 1,200 families under the entire project has been stated. Only after completion of construction and allotment as per eligibility, it will be clear how many families will be able to settle here.
Why did CM Yogi call it the city of the poor?
During Bhoomi Pujan, Yogi Adityanath said that the government is now building houses for the poor on the land freed from the mafia. Accusing the previous governments of bowing before the mafia, he described law and order and development as the priority of his government. This statement was also part of his political attack on Samajwadi Party. The government's message is clear – “Land which was once linked to mafia influence will now be used for public housing.”
How did Atiq Ahmed end?
Atiq Ahmed's political journey started by becoming an MLA in 1989 and later he also became an MP. But serious criminal cases were associated with his public life. In March 2023, the Prayagraj court convicted him in the Umesh Pal kidnapping case and sentenced him to life imprisonment. On 15 April 2023, Atiq and his brother Ashraf were shot dead while being taken for medical examination while in police custody in Prayagraj. Three attackers had approached him posing as journalists. This incident raised big questions on the security and law and order of police custody.
Will the identity of Kasari-Masari be able to change?
The story of Kasari-Masari now stands between two different eras – on the one hand, the history of Atiq Ahmed's family and the alleged land disputes related to it, on the other hand, the proposed residential development named Shri Krishnapuri. Yogi government is presenting this as an example of using land free from mafia influence in public interest. At present, the announcement of Shri Krishnapuri has opened a new chapter of development as well as political discussion in Prayagraj.