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President Murmu Udaipur Visit
President Murmu’s Udaipur Visit Sparks Controversy
Criticism from Mewar Royal Family
President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the City Palace in Udaipur has ignited criticism from members of the erstwhile Mewar royal family, including BJP representatives. Mahima Kumari Mewar, a BJP Member of Parliament (MP) from Rajsamand, and her husband, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, a BJP MLA from Nathdwara, have voiced their disapproval, arguing that the President should have refrained from visiting due to ongoing legal disputes concerning the palace.
Context of the Visit
On October 3, President Murmu attended the 32nd convocation of Mohanlal Sukhadia University in Udaipur. Following the formal event, she made a personal visit to the City Palace, where she was welcomed by Lakshayaraj Singh Mewar and his family. This visit has been met with sharp criticism from the Mewar family, who claim that the palace is not only under litigation but that President Murmu’s visit could compromise the dignity of her office.
Concerns Over Legal Matters
Mahima Kumari Mewar and Vishvaraj Singh Mewar expressed their concerns in a letter addressed to the President. They highlighted that the City Palace is family property currently embroiled in litigation, which includes a stay order issued by the courts and an ongoing contempt application in the Supreme Court regarding certain portions of the estate. Additionally, they mentioned that the property has been declared as a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) by the Tax Department, with an appeal pending in the High Court.
In their correspondence, the couple urged President Murmu to cancel her visit, stating that by engaging with the property, she was jeopardizing the dignity associated with her role. They specifically pointed out the lack of communication with Mahendra Singh Mewar, whom they regard as the head of the family. Mahendra is the elder brother of Arvind Mewar, Lakshayaraj Singh’s father, and the family lineage traces back to the legendary Maharana Pratap.
Communication Challenges
Mahima Kumari Mewar noted that upon learning about the President’s visit, they promptly informed the President’s Secretary and other officials about the litigation status. However, they were told that the visit was classified as personal. Mahima stated, “A personal visit is appropriate for a common person, but for the President, it is essential to maintain the dignity of her office.” She emphasized that the visit to the City Palace “unki garima ke liye bhi ye sahi nahi hai” (is not right for the dignity of her office).
The couple’s attempts to discuss the issue with the District Collector were met with challenges. Mahima expressed her frustrations about trying to reach the Collector, who eventually claimed that he had informed the relevant authorities about the palace’s legal standing. This led Mahima to question the reliability of the information relayed to President Murmu’s office.
Calls for Accountability
Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, highlighting his role as a public representative, stressed the importance of listening to constituents’ concerns during public hearings. He poignantly asked, “meri jansunwai kab hogi?” (When will I be heard?). This sentiment reflects a broader concern among royal family members about the legitimacy of their claims over the City Palace and the implications of high-profile visits during ongoing disputes.
Official Response
While Lakshayaraj Singh Mewar could not be reached for a comment, Udaipur Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal provided clarification regarding the nature of the event. He stated that the visit was a private affair and indicated that no reports were sought from the district administration. This lack of communication from local officials has raised further questions about the protocols in place for visits by dignitaries to contested properties.
Conclusion
President Murmu’s visit to the City Palace in Udaipur has sparked significant controversy, particularly from the Mewar royal family, who argue that the President should have been more mindful of the ongoing litigation concerning the property. This incident underscores the complexities surrounding royal heritage and legal disputes in India, as well as the importance of upholding the dignity associated with the office of the President.
