Gymkhana row: 'Can take land whenever…' Union Minister on Delhi elite club eviction move

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has defended the Centre’s decision to reclaim the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises, saying rapid urbanisation and the shrinking availability of developable land have made such provisions increasingly necessary. The remarks come amid a controversy over the government’s May 22 directive asking the club to hand over its premises to the Land and Development Office by June 5. The Centre invoked a public purpose clause in the original lease deed, stating that the property is located in a highly sensitive and strategic area. According to the government, the land is required to strengthen defence infrastructure and meet public security needs. Khattar reiterated that re-entry clauses are an important tool for governments as cities expand and land resources become more constrained.