Controversy Erupts Over Maharaja-Maharani College Land in Jaipur: BJP Leader Questions Own Government

Jaipur, Rajasthan: A political storm has erupted in Rajasthan over the transfer of the valuable land belonging to Maharaja and Maharani Colleges to the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and the municipal corporation. The move, which is tied to the historic legacy of Rajasthan University, has drawn sharp criticism from both opposition and senior members of the ruling BJP.

BJP Veteran Raises Concerns

In a surprising turn, it was senior BJP MLA and former minister Kalicharan Saraf who openly questioned the legality of the transfer in the state assembly. Saraf criticized his own government, calling the transfer of approximately 48 bighas of Maharaja College land and 30 bighas of Maharani College land to the JDA “completely illegal.”

Opposition Joins the Fray

The opposition quickly joined the debate, with Congress MLA Manish Yadav and RLD leader Subhash Garg supporting Saraf’s stance. Garg described the transfer as an “administrative blemish” and alleged collusion among certain officials, calling the move “highly shameful.” Questions were raised in the assembly about whether government officials carried out this land transfer without informing the elected representatives.

Threat to Educational Autonomy

Professor Somdev, president of the University Pensioners Association, highlighted that no land can be transferred without the approval of the university syndicate. In this case, officials allegedly changed ownership secretly, sparking fears that the JDA may auction or repurpose the historic college grounds for commercial use. There are concerns that an underground parking project for the IPL Tower on JLN Marg could extend into Maharaja College’s playground, potentially erasing the college’s historic identity.

Assembly Voices of Betrayal

Congress MLA Manish Yadav demanded that the transfer be immediately canceled, calling it an attack on Rajasthan’s “educational heritage.” Academics and students have expressed outrage over the move, stressing that the land, once meant for the use of students and athletes, has been taken over by government departments through procedural manipulation.

The controversy highlights the tensions between historic educational institutions’ rights and urban development plans, raising critical questions about governance, transparency, and the preservation of cultural and academic legacies.