The party called the government's attempt to take back the land an absolute disgrace and a sign of disrespect to the IAF.
The Congress party on Tuesday attacked the Centre over its attempt to reclaim the land where the Indian Air Force (IAF) Sports Complex is located. According to reports from The Hindu, the party described the Modi government's actions as an "absolute disgrace" and an act of "utter disrespect" to the IAF family.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh stated on X that the complex has a long history and has served many public purposes while being an integral part of the IAF social infrastructure. The sports complex, which includes a swimming pool and a golf course, was closed last Wednesday.
The Land and Development Office (L&DO), under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, issued eviction notices to the management of the complex. The notices demand the return of the land situated near the Prime Minister's official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
A media report claimed that on October 26, before his October 31 retirement, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to protect the IAF's control of the land within the Race Course Air Force Station, citing operational imperatives.
The L&DO has been reviewing prime land parcels near Lok Kalyan Marg to reclaim plots used for defence golf and sports facilities. In August, the department evicted the Delhi Race Club from its 53-acre premises on Lok Kalyan Marg for an unspecified public purpose.
The department also reclaimed the Jaipur Polo Ground from the India Polo Association, citing governance, defence infrastructure projects, and broader public purposes.
