Bhushan, Yadav protest outside Delhi Race Course

Swaraj Abhiyan leaders Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav today staged a protest outside the Delhi Race Course, demanding that the site be converted into a memorial for farmers and a 'Kisan Haat' be opened on the lines of Delhi Haat as the land was forcibly acquired.

Swaraj Abhiyan claimed that the land, which was part of Malcha village, was being acquired by the British when they shifted the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. However, while the landing was being "forcible" acquired and the farmers were being offered "pittance" as compensation.

"The land was acquired from the farmers under the guise of public purpose and it is now being used by as a gambling den in front of the Prime Minister's House. Is this why land acquisition ordinance is needed? Is this public use?

"Swaraj Abhiyan demands Race Course land be used as memorial for farmers who died in forcible land acquisition in independent India or those who were forced to commit suicides due to discrimination and neglect of agriculture by successive governments," said activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan.

He added the remaining place should be used as Kisan Haat where farmers can come and sell their organic products.

Swaraj Abhiayan said the lease of the land expired in 1998, but the land has still not been taken back by the government.

"Delhi Race Club land not taken back by government after expiration. Hints to collusion of public authority with private interests. The Urban Development Ministry served eviction notice to Club on 25 October 1999 but after that public authorities have been lax.

"Delhi Race Club lease expired in 1998 and has not been renewed. Club has been allowed to carry on its operations. Nonetheless Delhi Race Club made a profit of Rs 2.31 crore in the financial year ending 31 March, 2013. It has an odd practice: it charges Rs 4,000 as daily 'Mobile Phone Permission'(Entry Fee of Rs 60 without the phone!)," Swaraj Abhiyan tweeted through its twitter handle.

Swaraj Abhiyan said it has given a notice to the Prime Minister regarding this, failing which they will use "peaceful" and "democratic" ways to fulfil their demands, giving a hint that a legal course could be taken in this matter.