Congress moves to new headquarters after 47 years

In a move marking the end of an era, the Congress party inaugurated its new headquarters at Kotla Marg on Wednesday, 15 January, leaving behind its iconic 47-year-old base at 24 Akbar Road.

The new office, named after former prime minister Indira Gandhi, was inaugurated by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in a ceremony attended by senior party leaders. The event began with the national anthem, underscoring the historical significance of the occasion.

The shift to Kotla Marg symbolises not just a logistical relocation but also a turning point in the party's history, deeply intertwined with the nation's political landscape.

The Akbar Road bungalow, a Type VII government accommodation, became Congress' headquarters in 1978 when Indira Gandhi, reeling from the fallout of the Emergency and abandoned by many in her party, chose it as the base for her breakaway faction.

The unkempt British-era property, initially devoid of resources, evolved into the nerve centre of India's oldest political party, witnessing its triumphs and tribulations.

Over the decades, 24 Akbar Road has borne witness to pivotal moments in Indian politics. From Indira Gandhi’s political resurgence and assassination to Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as prime minister and his subsequent tragic assassination as well, the bungalow has been at the heart of the Congress' political operations.

It also served as the base camp for the party’s revival and electoral successes in 1991, 2004 and 2009.

Before becoming the Congress' headquarters, the bungalow had its own rich history. Built during the British era, it was the residence of Sir Reginald Maxwell, a member of Viceroy Lord Linlithgow’s council.

In the 1960s, it housed Myanmar activist Aung San Suu Kyi, who spent her teenage years here.

For party veterans, the transition is bittersweet.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar thinks of 24 Akbar Road as the cradle of his political journey and a repository of memories. “I’ve worked with Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. This office has seen the party’s rise, fall—and rise again. Indira-ji always valued young leaders and was a regular presence here,” he recalls.

As the Congress steps into its new headquarters at Kotla Marg, it carries forward the legacy of 24 Akbar Road while embarking on a new chapter. The change represents a blend of nostalgia and optimism — a chance to reimagine the party’s future while honouring its storied past.

The relocation comes at a time when the Congress is aiming to revitalise itself ahead of a key electoral battle in Delhi.

Observers say the inauguration of the new office stands as a metaphor for renewal at this time, a beacon of hope for a party looking to reclaim its position at the forefront of Indian politics.