Sonia Gandhi Inaugurates Congress’ New Headquarters at Kotla Road
New Delhi:
Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the party’s new headquarters at 9A, Kotla Road, on Wednesday. The event marks a significant transition for the Congress, which had been operating from its historic premises at 24, Akbar Road for the past 47 years.
The ceremony was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K. C. Venugopal, and other senior leaders.
The event began with the hoisting of the Congress flag and the singing of Vande Mataram and the national anthem. Sonia Gandhi officially inaugurated the new building, joined by Mr. Kharge for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the main entrance.
Indira Gandhi Bhawan: Congress’ New Headquarters Reflects Progress and Legacy
The new, state-of-the-art All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, named Indira Gandhi Bhawan, symbolizes the Congress party’s commitment to upholding the vision of its founders. According to the party, the new building represents its ongoing mission to evolve while honoring its rich history.
“It is time for us to move ahead with the times and embrace the new,” stated AICC general secretary for organization, K. C. Venugopal. The construction of the new headquarters began during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as Congress president.
Located at 9A, Kotla Road, New Delhi, Indira Gandhi Bhawan is designed to accommodate the evolving needs of the party. It features modern facilities to support the administrative, organizational, and strategic functions of the party. Venugopal described the building as a symbol of Congress’ forward-looking vision, while also paying tribute to the party’s extraordinary past, which has significantly shaped India’s political and social landscape.
Despite the inauguration of the new headquarters, sources have confirmed that Congress will retain its current office at 24, Akbar Road, which has served as its headquarters since 1978, after the formation of Congress (I). Some party cells will continue to operate from this location.
The construction of the new AICC headquarters was delayed for several years due to financial constraints, particularly after the Congress lost power at the Centre. Similarly, the BJP has not vacated its former headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road, even after moving to its new office at Deendayal Upadhyay Marg.
While the new headquarters offers modern amenities and more space, Congress old-timers and supporters acknowledge that the emotional connection to the historic 24, Akbar Road address will always remain strong.
The Akbar Road bungalow once hosted Sir Reginald Maxwell, a member of Lord Linlithgow’s executive council, and was also the residence of Aung San Suu Kyi in 1961 when her mother served as India’s ambassador. However, it has predominantly been the Congress party’s headquarters, witnessing the tenures of seven Congress presidents over the years.
