Rahul Gandhi's membership reason to destroy Gymkhana Club: Rashid Alvi

Congress leader Rashid Alvi criticised the Centre over its communication asking the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises, alleging the move was linked to Rahul Gandhi having membership of the club located in central Delhi.

Alvi links eviction notice to Rahul Gandhi's membership

Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Sunday criticised the Centre over its recent communication asking the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises, alleging that the move was linked to Rahul Gandhi having membership of the club located in central Delhi. Alvi told ANI that the move is unfortunate.

"It is such an old club and many important people are members. The fact that Rahul Gandhi is a member of the Delhi Gymkhana Club is enough to destroy it," he said. "What can be a greater fault of the Gymkhana Club committee than that it made Rahul Gandhi a member and did not make people considered close to the Prime Minister as members. This is enough to demolish it and take it over," he alleged.

Government cites 'national interest' for takeover

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has asked the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate the premises by June 5. The Club is located on Safdarjung Road, and the government has cited urgent public purpose and national interest considerations.

The order was issued on May 22 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Land & Development Office (L&DO). According to the order, the land had originally been leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd., now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd., for the purpose of maintaining a social and sporting club. However, the government stated that the premises fall within a "highly sensitive and strategic area" of the national capital and are now critically required for strengthening defence infrastructure and other public security purposes.

Club seeks meeting, faces deadline

Delhi Gymkhana Club said it wants to continue the operations without dislocation. The Officiating Secretary of the club urged a meeting with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs officials.

Delhi Gymkhana Club has been directed to hand over possession of the property to government representatives before June 5, failing which possession would be taken in accordance with law.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)