"Why target only the Gymkhana Club? If elitism and subsidised land are the yardsticks, then the entire Lutyens' Delhi zone should be examined," former Rajya Sabha MP and diplomat Pawan Verma said while reacting to the Centre's move against the Delhi Gymkhana Club.
The 113-year-old Delhi Gymkhana Club has found itself at the centre of a political and public debate after the government asked it to vacate its premises in central Delhi. Critics argue that the club symbolises colonial-era elitism and enjoys prime public land and subsidised facilities, while supporters say it is a heritage institution that should be reformed, not dismantled.
In this episode of AI With Sanket, The Federal spoke to Pawan Verma, who is also a member of the club, about the controversy, elitism, colonial hangovers, and whether the government is selectively targeting one institution.
What are your opening comments on the government's move against the Delhi Gymkhana Club?
The government is the unquestioned landlord of all leased land, and it unquestionably has the right to recover that land. Let us accept that as the basis.
But in the case of the Gymkhana Club, the government has acted somewhat peremptorily, with very short notice, to take it over entirely on grounds of security and public good.
My only question is that perhaps there should be greater transparency about how public good is being served by taking over an institution that is more than a century old. It is in that context that I felt this matter requires reconsideration.
What do you say to the argument that the club represents elitism?
The argument of elitism has not officially been given as the reason to take over the club, but perhaps it could be a motivation. The club does stand as a colonial institution and there is little doubt that it was initially, and perhaps even now to some extent, an English-speaking elite bastion where membership is difficult to obtain.
It stands on very expensive land, and yes, a relatively small number of people use a large amount of space. That may be a concern in the eyes of some people.
This inequality is real. It needs to change.
My only point is this: if the Gymkhana Club is the beginning of a larger mission against inequality and elitism, then certainly proceed. But do not stop with one target alone.
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