Rajasthan government justifies move to seal gates of Raj Mahal Palace

Jaipur, Sep 1 Rajasthan government today justified Jaipur Development Authority's move to seal the gates of former Jaipur Royal family's hotel Raj Mahal Palace and said it was "completely legal and bona fide" as the action was taken for public land.

"The gate which was sealed is located in Khasra number 194 which is a government land and the acquisition is already upheld by Supreme Court so there is nothing worth controversy. The step was taken in the interest of public and the land will be use accordingly," UDH Minister Rajpal Singh said.

He said the decree which the former royal family is showing has nothing to do with the said Khasra number.

"If they have any problem or confusion with regard to demarcation of the land, there are certain agencies to get the land demarked but the JDA has taken this action for its own land," he said.

"The action of the JDA is to ensure possession of its land and this is also the concern of the government," he said. The minister informed the JDA had served notice for action on August 22 and the action was taken on August 24. On today's rally by Padmini Devi of the former royal family, the minister said this was an all-community rally not by Rajput community. He said that he was approached by Devi or her daughter Diya Kumari, who is a BJP MLA.

"Diya Kumari is our party MLA, a law abiding citizen and she is like my younger sister but such actions are the part of administration, not a political matter," he said.

PTI