Swaraj Abhiyan leaders protest outside Delhi Race Course

Demanding that the Delhi Race Course (DRC) be converted into a memorial for farmers, Swaraj Abhiyan leaders Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav staged a protest outside DRC here on Sunday.

"Swaraj Abhiyan demands Race course land be used as memorial for farmers who died in forcible land acquisition or forced to commit suicide," former AAP leader Bhushan tweeted.

"Delhi Race Course land acquired from farmers allowed to be used as a gambling den in front of Prime Minister's house. This why land acquisition ordinance is needed," he tweeted.

Swaraj Abhiyan on behalf of the farmers served a public notice to the prime minister under its Jai Kisan Andolan.

The protestors also said that they wanted to set up a 'Kisan Haat' at the place on the lines of Delhi Haat where farmers can come and sell their organic produce.

A statement from Swaraj Abhiyan said the lease of the land expired in 1998, but the land was not taken back by the government.

"Delhi Race Club lease expired in 1998 and has not been renewed. Club has been allowed to carry on its operations," the statement said.

It said the land, which was part of Malcha village, was acquired by the British when they shifted the capital from Calcutta to Delhi.