Tensions at Udaipur Palace as Maharaja Faces Resistance

A conflict within the royal family of Udaipur, Rajasthan, has escalated into a confrontation. Newly-crowned Maharaja Vishvaraj Singh was met with resistance at the Udaipur Palace, leading to a tense situation. Members of the royal family barred the new Maharaja from entering the palace, resulting in clashes that injured several people.

A long-standing dispute within the Udaipur royal family reached a boiling point after the passing of Maharaja Mahendra Singh Mewar, the 76th ruler of Mewar. Following his demise, his son, BJP MLA Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, was crowned as the 77th Maharaja on Monday at a ceremony held at Chittorgarh Fort. According to tradition, the newly-appointed Maharaja was to visit the Eklingnath Temple and the Udaipur City Palace after the coronation.

However, the coronation was strongly opposed by Arvind Singh Mewar, a relative and chairman of the trust that manages the palace and the temple. Arvind Singh issued a statement against the new Maharaja, declaring that he would not permit Vishvaraj Singh to enter the palace. In his capacity as the managing trustee, Arvind Singh retained control over the palace and temple premises, leading to heightened tensions.

Anticipating unrest, police were deployed in large numbers near the palace. On Monday evening, Vishvaraj Singh and his supporters attempted to enter the palace, but they were blocked by Arvind Singh's son and his faction. This led to a physical confrontation, with Vishvaraj's supporters attempting to break through barricades. The clash escalated, resulting in both sides throwing stones, leaving several injured. Police intervened to disperse the groups and restore order.