Amethi palace sees drama as old family feud revived

Garima, the first wife of Congress MP Sanjay Singh, battles for her son

An ugly family drama seen around two decades ago at Bhupati Bhavan, the royal palace of Amethi and home of Congress MP Sanjay Singh, had a replay on Friday.

Reports reaching here said Garima Singh, the MP’s first wife, returned to claim her right to her estranged spouse’s home along with son Anant Vikram Singh and other family members, including her daughters.

Sanjay Singh and his ( second) wife Rani Ameeta Singh were in Delhi, and the caretakers resisted Garima’s entry.

This led to a heated argument, and when some locals got to hear about the incident, they rushed to the palace and attacked the caretaker and other staff there. Some people wven fired in the air to disperse crowds, but the drama continued for some time.

Ms Garima Singh later told reporters: “As a wife, I have suffered in silence for over 18 years without uttering a word, but my son is now being subjected to similar humiliation, and I won’t tolerate this. I have come to Amethi to ensure justice for my son.”

She said her son Anant Vikram Singh lived in two rooms at the palace, but a few days ago all his belongings were thrown out.

“Anant is the son of Sanjay Singh and his rightful heir. Doesn’t he have any right over his ancestral palace? I’ve come here not as a wife but as a mother.”

It is learnt Anant filed a police complaint about the behaviour of the caretaker and other employees.