Daijiworld Media Network – Sidhi

Sidhi, Jul 12: In a compelling case of grassroots protest meeting political apathy, eight pregnant women from Khaddi Khurd village in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district, led by social media influencer Leela Sahu, have taken to online platforms to demand something as basic as a paved road to reach hospitals safely.

The village has no motorable roads, forcing expectant mothers to be carried across slushy, uneven paths during emergencies. In 2023, Sahu who commands over one lakh followers had tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union minister Nitin Gadkari in a viral video plea: “You made all 29 MPs win from Madhya Pradesh. Can we now get a road?”

While the video garnered national attention and promises from the Sidhi MP and district collector, a year has passed with no progress on the ground — except for Sahu nearing her due date.

However, BJP MP Rajesh Mishra appeared dismissive of the urgency, saying, “Every delivery has a date. We will get it done a week before that.” He further suggested, “If she wishes, she can come to us. We'll provide food, water, and care. Speaking about these things in public is not ideal.”

He downplayed the villagers' concern, questioning whether a delivery had ever been delayed due to the road condition, adding that helicopters, aeroplanes, ambulances, and ASHA workers were available. He blamed the delay on pending Forest Department clearances but provided no deadline for the road’s construction.

Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh also dismissed the protest, stating, “If someone puts a post on social media, will we reach with a dumper or a cement concrete plant? This is not possible.” He cited budget constraints and procedural complexities, saying not every online demand could be addressed immediately.

Despite the viral protests and repeated appeals, the cries for a basic road remain unmet — with the muddy paths continuing to mock the digital cries of Khaddi Khurd's expecting mothers.