Who will inherit Rajmata's wealth? Suspense continues

JAIPUR: Suspense continued over the contents of Gayatri Devi's will with her close associate saying that nothing of the legal document was discussed today when her family observed the 12th day of the mourning rituals for the late Jaipur royal.

Emerging from the palace after the rituals at the City Palace tonight, senior Rajput leader Lokendra Singh Kalvi told reporters, "Nothing on the will was discussed and it is generally not scheduled during the 12th day rituals which was purely a matter of her family"".

"Who told media that will can be disclosed today or any other day?...it's purely a matter of late Rajmata's family...I cannot comment on it... 12th day ceremonies are meant to overcome sad days of demise...it's media that coined will matter... media started speculation", Kalvi said apparently showing discomfort at the presence of a large numer of journalists outside the palace.

The presence of U N Bachawat, the supreme court-appointed receiver-cum -administrator on royal family properties is in the city fuelled speculation of his possible role in working out a compromise to end the reported feud in the royal family over inheritance. Though no official valuation has been done for Gayatri Devi's properties, it is believed to be in the range of around Rs 1,000 crore.

Yesterday, Justice Bachawat told reporters he was in Jaipur to pay condolences on the demise of former queen and that if there was any issue which comes to his knowledge he will report to the Supreme Court.

The family is reportedly divided into two camps-- one of Devi's grandson Devraj and his sister Lalitya, children of her late son Jagat Singh, and the other of Prithvi Singh and Jai Singh-stepsons of Rajmata, who was the third wife of Sawai Man Singh.

The apex court had appointed a receiver on several properties, including the City Palace, Rajmahal Palace and Laxmivilas Hotel.