Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda's erstwhile royal family emphasised balancing urban development with heritage conservation after voting in the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) election on Sunday. Speaking at the Faculty of Technology of M S University, she said her choice was guided by the city's future growth while preserving its historical identity. She hoped the incoming civic body would prioritise heritage alongside infrastructure.
Radhikaraje Gaekwad spoke to reporters after voting at the Faculty of Technology of M S University, stating that Vadodara's cultural legacy must not be overlooked. "The cultural heritage of the city should not be forgotten. We need a clean city as well as conservation of the rich heritage that defines Vadodara… This city was created with a vision (by Maharaja Sayajirao III Gaekwad) and its development should be continued through a common mission…" she told The Indian Express.
Gaekwad highlighted concerns over governance, noting that elected representatives often prioritise personal legacies over the city's character. "Each person who is elected tries to create an imprint of their own term, which does not complement the character of the city. There is a need to understand the city’s original vision, character and ethos and ensure that present-day development aligns with it. Transitioning from one term to another and reversing previous decisions does not help the city in the long run," she added.
She called on newly elected corporators to adopt a proactive approach to heritage structures through careful planning. "Efforts should focus on preventing damage instead of resorting to damage control by appointing the first available contractor… They need to be proactive in preventing and preserving rather than acting when the damage is done," Gaekwad said.
