A HUB OF CLANDESTINE DEALINGS

A HUB OF CLANDESTINE DEALINGS

28-MAY-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI-------------------------A place from where—even in the dead of night—courts could be ordered to open to secure the release of terrorists, or to decide which terrorist was to be punished and which pardoned: Delhi's "Gymkhana Club." And the people who frequented this club included IAS and IPS officers, judges, and Congress politicians; the Gymkhana was a hotbed of corruption, bribery, and treachery. The general public could not even come anywhere near this club—

For this sprawling 27-acre establishment sits right next door to the Prime Minister's official residence. Directly opposite this club stood Indira Gandhi's home—the very place where she was assassinated. Mahatma Gandhi, too, used to visit this club—as did Nehru, Rajiv, and Rahul Gandhi.

So, what exactly went on inside this club? A mysterious question that crosses everyone's mind: was this club a hub for "deal-making"? IAS officers would meet the "right people" right here before taking up their postings. drinks, and finalize court cases. Major industrialists would meet one another here to arrange their business "deals." Journalists would obtain sensational scoops from this very club, courtesy of these "arrangements."

In a sense, the people who run India would come to this club—far removed from the public eye—to "drink and cut deals." Mysterious meetings among the white-collar elite took place here; even romantic liaisons were formed within these walls. However, trouble began when the BJP came to power. BJP leaders were denied membership in the club. And thus began the maneuvering to bring this club under their control. The BJP government's first move, in 2021, was to dissolve the club's managing committee.

The government appointed 15 directors to oversee the club's operations and ordered a comprehensive audit of all its records. The club's "Green Card" membership scheme was discontinued.

Now, an order has been issued demanding that the land be vacated by June 5, 2026—come what may. The justification provided is a perfectly valid one: "The Prime Minister's Security"—and suddenly, everyone falls silent.

Although the Congress party is no longer in power, the "Congress Raj" (rule) continues to prevail within the Gymkhana Club to this day. The most powerful people in the country have managed to secure a High Court hearing within just two days. Two of the nation's most expensive lawyers—Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi (attorneys who have previously stood in defense of terrorists, anti-nationals, and even Pakistan)—are now fighting this case on behalf of an elite club. Do *you* have that kind of clout? I am speaking to *you*—the common citizen. You have only Narendra Modi standing by your side; he is the only one taking them on. Feel free to share your thoughts—after all, this is a democracy.

Did you really think that the bulldozer—invoked in the name of tackling "illegality"—would be used only against slums and shanties? Illegal means illegal—whether it’s a slum or... The Bungalow.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club is not merely a club; it is a colonial edifice constructed by the British in 1913 as a recreational retreat for British officers, military personnel, and the elite class—a place where entry for Indians was virtually non-existent.

It ought to have been bulldozed immediately after independence; however, Nehru himself was a member, and today, the 'Crown Prince' of the Congress party is also reported to be a member. Spanning approximately 30 acres, this club is situated in the most upscale locality of the Lutyens' Zone.

Approximately ₹30 lakhs. Even after securing membership, there is a waiting period of 37 years. Annual rent paid to the government: A mere ₹1,000. Outstanding tax dues: Approximately ₹3 crores. Location: Situated in extremely close proximity to the Prime Minister's Residence and several sensitive government and defense establishments.

The government has now issued a deadline to vacate the premises by June 5th, stating that the site is required for defense infrastructure and public safety purposes. Congratulations! On June 5th, yet another symbol of colonial servitude may well crumble. With Modi, it is possible.