Tue Nov 26 04:49:48 UTC 2024: **Udaipur Royal Family Feud Erupts After Coronation**

UDAIPUR, INDIA – A bitter dispute has erupted within the Mewar royal family following the coronation of BJP MLA Vishvaraj Singh Mewar as the 77th Maharana of Mewar. The conflict escalated into violence Monday night, leaving three people injured.

Vishvaraj Singh, whose father recently passed away, was formally crowned in a traditional ceremony at Chittorgarh Fort twelve days after his father’s death. The ceremony included the traditional “raj tilak,” where an erstwhile noble anointed him with blood drawn from a sword cut.

However, his attempt to visit family temples within the Udaipur City Palace, managed by a trust controlled by his uncle and cousin, was blocked. This refusal sparked a furious reaction from Vishvaraj Singh’s supporters, who threw stones at the palace gates and attempted to storm the building. Police intervened, but clashes continued for hours.

Vishvaraj Singh himself reportedly remained with his supporters for five hours. He stated to the media that while he respects the property rights of the trust, he feels the denial of access to the temples is a violation of tradition.

The dispute has its roots in a 1984 decision by the former Maharana to appoint his younger son, Arvind Singh, as director of the trusts that manage the palaces, temples, and forts, effectively disinheriting his elder son, Mahendra Singh (Vishvaraj’s father). The Mewar Charitable Trust preemptively announced in local newspapers that it would not allow entry to anyone who might damage trust property.

The ongoing standoff involves multiple trusts and a complex legal battle over royal properties. The incident highlights deep divisions within the royal family and is expected to have lasting consequences in Udaipur. The district administration is now intervening to attempt to resolve the situation.

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