The Congress party inaugurated its new headquarters, the Indira Gandhi Bhawan, at 9A, Kotla Road in New Delhi on Wednesday. This marks a historic shift after operating from the iconic 24, Akbar Road office for 47 years.
The five-story state-of-the-art building was inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, in the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, and general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, and K.C. Venugopal, among other senior leaders.
Designed by Hafeez Contractor and constructed by L&T, the new building showcases the Congress’s 139-year history through pictures and memorabilia, from the freedom struggle to the party’s governance milestones.
It also highlights the five principles of the Congress—democracy, nationalism, secularism, inclusive growth, and justice—inscribed on one of its walls.
The entrance features pictures of the party’s first president W.C. Bonnerjee and current president Mallikarjun Kharge, alongside a wall dedicated to B.R. Ambedkar with an inspirational quote.
Rare photographs depicting India’s independence struggle and contributions by leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan are displayed across the building.
Achievements of Congress prime ministers are also prominently highlighted, including Nehru’s focus on science and technology, Indira Gandhi’s nationalization initiatives and 1971 war victory, and Rajiv Gandhi’s IT revolution.
The library is named after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last month. During the inauguration, Sonia Gandhi cut the ribbon alongside Kharge, followed by the hoisting of the party flag and the singing of Vande Mataram and the national anthem. Kharge expressed gratitude to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for overseeing the construction and completion of the building.
Though the party moves to this modern facility, it will retain the 24, Akbar Road office for some cells. This iconic bungalow, which housed historical figures like Sir Reginald Maxwell and Aung San Suu Kyi during her mother’s tenure as ambassador to India, has been the Congress headquarters since 1978.
The construction of the new headquarters, delayed due to funding challenges after Congress lost power at the Center, symbolizes the party’s forward-looking vision while preserving its legacy. Like the BJP, which maintains its old office despite moving to a new headquarters, Congress romantics cherish the emotional and historical significance of Akbar Road.
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