The ongoing dispute between BJP MLA Vishvaraj Singh and his cousin, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, has taken a serious turn, especially following an incident on November 25, 2024, at the iconic Udaipur City Palace. Vishvaraj Singh, along with a group of supporters, was denied entry into the palace, where he had planned to visit the Eklingnathji Temple after his recent coronation and have a 'darshan' of the sacred 'dhuni' (a religious site). His attempt to enter the palace turned into a violent confrontation, with stones being thrown at the palace's main gate, leading to injuries of three police officers. The scene was chaotic, and tensions between the parties involved quickly escalated.
Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, who is closely tied to the Udaipur City Palace and the Eklingnathji Temple, was quick to address the situation. In a press conference on Tuesday, Lakshyaraj sharply criticized his cousin Vishvaraj for attempting to use his political clout to force entry into their private domain. He made it clear that such behavior was unacceptable and warned Vishvaraj not to misuse his political position and influence to gain access to private family spaces. Lakshyaraj emphasized that "people cannot force themselves into our home," stressing the importance of respecting boundaries, both personal and institutional, and adhering to the law.
Lakshyaraj's statements did not end there. He went on to criticize the role of the Udaipur administration, accusing them of siding with Vishvaraj Singh and allowing his supporters to attempt to storm the palace. Lakshyaraj likened the situation to the lawlessness seen during the 1984 violence in Delhi, a comparison that only served to heighten the gravity of the conflict. He accused some individuals within the government of pressuring the administration for their personal benefit, undermining the Constitution and the rule of law in the process. He reminded everyone that the country is governed by the Constitution and that no one is above it, including those who hold political power.
Further amplifying his stance, Lakshyaraj took to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to voice his concerns and reiterate his commitment to ensuring justice. In his post, he described the events as "unfortunate" and expressed hope that the Rajasthan government and Udaipur administration would "stand with truth and serve justice." He stressed that his family would not take the law into their own hands and would approach the courts if necessary. His message was clear: the law must be respected and upheld by all parties involved.
Lakshyaraj also refuted claims made by Vishvaraj Singh and his supporters, asserting that the Eklingji Mandir, located within the City Palace, is open to all visitors, provided they come responsibly and with due respect. He emphasized that the temple was not a place for political theatrics or displays of strength, but a sacred site that should be treated with reverence. The underlying message was that religion and politics should not be intertwined in such a manner, and the temple should remain a neutral space for spiritual reflection, not a battleground for political agendas.
The roots of this conflict are deeply entrenched in a property dispute between the Mewar family, particularly Lakshyaraj Singh, and his cousin Vishvaraj. The Udaipur City Palace and the Eklingnathji Temple fall under the control of Lakshyaraj’s father, Arvind Singh Mewar, who serves as the chairman and managing trustee of the Shree Eklingji Trust. This trust manages the temple and oversees its operations. The tensions between the two branches of the Mewar family over the control of these assets have been simmering for some time, and this recent incident has only brought these underlying disputes to the forefront.
Vishvaraj Singh’s actions have raised concerns about the use of political influence to resolve personal and familial issues, with some accusing him of overstepping his bounds as a public servant. His attempt to enter the palace and the temple without following proper protocols was seen as an act of entitlement. This public confrontation has led to increased scrutiny of his behavior, and his actions are now being seen as a test of the administration’s ability to maintain order and uphold the law, regardless of political affiliations.
For Lakshyaraj Singh, the situation is not just about the immediate conflict but also about defending the legacy and heritage of his family, which has had deep ties to Udaipur’s royal institutions for generations. The Mewar family has always been a custodian of the City Palace and the Eklingnathji Temple, and Lakshyaraj is committed to preserving their sanctity and ensuring they are managed with respect. He has made it clear that his family will not back down when it comes to defending their property and their rights, particularly against what they perceive as a political attempt to interfere with their private affairs.
The case also brings into question the broader issue of political interference in cultural and religious matters. The intersection of political power and religious institutions has always been a delicate issue, especially in regions with rich historical and cultural significance like Udaipur. Lakshyaraj’s statements highlight the need for a clear distinction between the political sphere and the preservation of cultural heritage. His stance reflects his deep commitment to ensuring that the family’s cultural and religious traditions are not exploited for political gain.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether legal proceedings will be initiated or if further tensions will emerge between the Mewar family and Vishvaraj Singh. For now, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar’s message is clear: the rule of law must prevail, and no one, regardless of their political position, is above it. The family will pursue justice through the proper legal channels and will not be intimidated by political pressure or attempts to undermine their rights. The dispute is far from over, and its resolution will likely have long-lasting implications for the relationship between the Mewar family, the Udaipur administration, and the broader political landscape of Rajasthan.
