Jaipur royals take to the streets to protest against palace acquisition
Ignoring protests of the royal family, the Jaipur Development Authority sealed the main entrance of the Rajmahal Palace and took over parts of the sprawling property, which it claimed was legally acquired in 1993.
The procession went from the City Palace to Tripolia gate where Padmini Devi addressed the people.
The 73-year old Rajmata, while talking to NDTV, said, "Wish I didn't have to do what I am doing today."
According to media reports, Padmini Devi's daughter Diya Kumari is a lawmaker of Rajasthan's ruling BJP and close to Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
She expressed her gratitude to the people for their support and hoped that the Rajasthan chief minister will look into the matter.
The historic Rajmahal Palace, later converted to a hotel, according to the royal family, was once a British residency that was handed over to them under a covenant signed with princely states in 1949.
They moved court against the government acquisition in 2002, media reported.
According to local reports, the hotel is running while guests are using another gate for entry and exit.
Image: Rajmahal Palace/SujanLuxury website
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