The Union government's move to reclaim the 27.3-acre land of the Delhi Gymkhana Club at 2, Safdarjung Road triggered a sharp political exchange on Sunday, 25 May, with the Congress alleging the land was being acquired to expand Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) firing back by invoking the housing footprint of Congress leadership at 10 Janpath.

The Eviction Notice

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs served an eviction notice on 22 May, directing the Club to vacate its premises by 5 June. The notice cited Clause 4 of the original lease deed, which empowers the lessor to re-enter the property if required for a public purpose. The land, located in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi, was originally granted to the Club on a perpetual lease in 1918 during the Colonial era. Under the current process, the reclaimed parcel would vest with President Droupadi Murmu.

'Exercising those powers, the President of India, acting through the Land and Development Office, has determined the lease and ordered immediate re-entry of the property,' the notice stated.

Congress Raises Questions

Congress leader Surendra Rajput alleged that the Club's land was being reclaimed to expand the Prime Minister's official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. 'How much space does the Prime Minister need to live in? The BJP-led government will have to explain this,' Rajput was seen saying in a video that circulated widely.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club sits in close proximity to the Prime Minister's official residence, lending weight to the Congress narrative — though the government has not officially cited any expansion of the PM's bungalow as the purpose.

BJP Hits Back

Amit Malviya, In-Charge of the BJP's National Information and Technology Department, posted a video on X featuring Rajput's remarks and responded sharply. 'Sonia Gandhi, who occupies 10 Janpath spread across 15,181 square metres, larger than 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, at 14,101 square metres, has apparently sent a note to Surendar Rajput. It reads: sit down,' Malviya wrote. He added: 'The entitlement and hypocrisy in the Congress ecosystem never cease to amaze.'

Indian Polo Association Also Served Notice

The Centre has simultaneously issued an eviction notice to the Indian Polo Association, whose premises are located opposite the Prime Minister's official residence. In that case too, the Ministry cited the necessity of reclaiming land to strengthen and secure 'Defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes.'

Club's Response and What Comes Next

The Club's management has sought an urgent meeting with Ministry officials to seek clarity on the eviction, citing the interests of its members and employees. Club functionaries are reportedly also considering a legal challenge to the notice. The Delhi Gymkhana Club, an institution frequented by influential figures in India's power corridors since the Colonial era, has until 5 June to comply or contest the order.