Mohan Yadav's ancestral home torn down for road widening, CM lands first blow

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav struck the first blow with a pickaxe to begin the partial demolition of his ancestral house in Ujjain, making way for a road-widening project ahead of Simhastha 2028.The Chief Minister's ancestral residence in the city is among 272 houses marked for demolition as part of preparations for the religious congregation. The project aims to widen the road between to accommodate the expected influx of devotees during Simhastha 2028.The authorities will demolish a 2.90-metre portion of the Chief Minister's ancestral house. The widening project also affects the residence of his sister, Kalavati Yadav.The Chief Minister's decision to personally initiate the demolition of his ancestral residence marked the beginning of the exercise. CM Mohan Yadav personally initiated the demolition by striking the first blow with a pickaxe. After he left the site, a municipal corporation team arrived and began dismantling the front portion of the house using pickaxes and hammers.Addressing those present, the Chief Minister acknowledged the emotional weight of dismantling a place associated with his childhood memories. "This is the place where I grew up, playing and running around, and now I am stepping forward to dismantle it with my own hands. It certainly has an emotional impact," he said.However, he emphasised that the needs of the administration and preparations for Simhastha must take precedence over personal attachments."However, if it is necessary for the administration and essential for the Simhastha, then this sacrifice must be made. I am satisfied that we are all doing this together," he added.The Chief Minister also praised residents for their willingness to contribute to the project."The entire state and the country are watching this. People are demolishing their homes willingly and happily, dedicating themselves to the cause so that others may benefit greatly," he said.Mohan Yadav's grandfather, Ramchandra Yadav, constructed the house in 1974. CM Mohan Yadav and his siblings grew up in the same neighbourhood under ordinary circumstances, according to his neighbour, Laxminarayan Solanki.The demolition forms part of a broader infrastructure development initiative in Ujjain ahead of Simhastha 2028.The authorities are widening several roads across the city to facilitate the movement of the large number of devotees expected to attend the religious gathering.- EndsWith inputs from Sundeep Kulshreshtha.