The historic Delhi Gymkhana Club has approached the Centre seeking urgent clarification after being directed to vacate its prime land parcel near the Prime Minister’s residence by June 5. In a letter sent to the Land and Development Office under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the club raised concerns over relocation, employee welfare, and the future of its operations.
As per NdtV reports, the club said that any sudden action by the government would affect nearly 14,000 members and users, as well as around 500 employees at the establishment. It asked that we avoid disruption until key relocation and continuity issues are resolved.
Located on 27.3 acres at Safdarjung Road near Lok Kalyan Marg, the elite institution has long been associated with diplomats, bureaucrats, military officers, and prominent figures from Delhi’s social and professional circles.
Also Read | ‘Every country has stupid people’: Rubio responds to racist remarks against Indians in US
Club asks if alternate land will be provided
In its communication, the club’s General Committee asked whether the government was considering allotting another suitably located land parcel to allow the institution to relocate without major disruption.
According to NDTV, the committee also highlighted the significant investments made over the years in improving infrastructure and facilities for members. It said rebuilding the club elsewhere would involve massive financial costs and logistical challenges.
The letter further stressed the uncertainty facing employees, many of whom have worked at the club for decades and now fear displacement and job insecurity.
The governing body has also sought a meeting with officials from the Land and Development Office to discuss the concerns raised in the notice.
Also Read | Tripura raises dearness allowance by 5%, over 1.8 lakh employees and pensioners to benefit
Centre cites strategic and defence requirements
As per NDTV reports, the eviction order issued on May 22 stated that the land falls within a highly sensitive and strategic zone and is required for urgent institutional and governance-related needs.
According to the order, the government plans to reclaim the property to strengthen and secure defence infrastructure in the area. The notice stated that the President of India had exercised powers to terminate the lease granted to the former Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club and ordered immediate re-entry of the property.
Officials said the entire land parcel, including buildings and lawns, would be taken over by the government from June 5.
The club, originally founded in 1913 as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club during British rule, dropped the word “Imperial” after India gained independence.
Also Read | ‘Even Miami doesn’t feel like this’: Marco Rubio reacts to Delhi’s scorching heat
Political row erupts over land reclaim move
NDTV also reported that the issue has now triggered a political confrontation between the BJP and Congress. Congress leader Surendra Rajput alleged that the land was being reclaimed to expand Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residential complex and accused the BJP of attempting to erase historical institutions.
The BJP strongly rejected the allegation. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused the Congress of hypocrisy and entitlement, dismissing claims that the move was linked to the Prime Minister’s residence.
Meanwhile, employees of the club have expressed anxiety over their future, saying many long-serving staff members were given no prior indication that the eviction order was imminent.
