A few members of the Mewar royal family, including BJP MP Mahima Kumari Mewar and her husband, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, MLA from Nathdwara, have raised objections to President Droupadi Murmu’s recent visit to the City Palace in Udaipur. They stated that the palace is under legal dispute, and her visit was inappropriate.

On October 3, 2024 President Murmu attended the 32nd convocation of Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU) in Udaipur. Afterward, she visited the City Palace with Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde and Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, hosted by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and his family.

Mahima Kumari and Vishvaraj Singh objected to the visit because President Murmu did not meet Mahendra Singh Mewar, Vishvaraj’s father, who they consider the head of the family. Mahendra Singh is the elder brother of Arvind Mewar, Lakshyaraj Singh’s father.

Letter Written to the President Before Visit

Vishvaraj Singh stated that they had written a letter to the President informing her that the palace is their family property and is currently under a court stay order. He also mentioned that there is a pending contempt application in the Supreme Court regarding part of the property. The property has been declared a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) by the Tax Department, and the district court's decision is under appeal in the High Court.

In the letter, the couple requested President Murmu to cancel her visit, claiming that it compromised the dignity of her office, especially since she did not communicate with Mahendra Singh, whom they consider the "Karta" (head) of the family.

Mahima Kumari stated that they had informed the President’s Secretary and other officials about the situation and were told it was a personal visit. She argued that, as the President, a personal visit should still maintain the dignity of the office.

Udaipur Collector Said That It Was a Private Event 

She also mentioned that she tried to contact the Udaipur’s District Collector but couldn’t reach him. After contacting the Chief Minister’s Office, the Collector called back and informed her that the authorities were aware the property was under litigation. However, she claimed that the Collector did not send a proper report.

Vishvaraj Singh questioned when his concerns would be addressed, highlighting that as a public representative, he listens to others but feels unheard in this situation.

Lakshayraj Singh Mewar and Udaipur Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal have not commented on the matter. The Collector stated that it was a private event, and no comments were sought from the district administration.