The Union government has issued a notice to the Congress party to vacate its old headquarters at 24, Akbar Road in New Delhi by March 28, sources said. The party has continued to occupy the premises even after inaugurating a new headquarters.
The Akbar Road bungalow has served as the Congress’ main office since 1978. The report notes that the premises were made available after the party split in 1977, when MP Venkatasamy offered the bungalow allotted to him for the party’s use.
In January last year, Congress inaugurated its new headquarters, ‘Indira Bhavan’, on Kotla Road, opened by Sonia Gandhi. Despite this, the party did not vacate the older building, citing its historical significance and leaders’ sentimental attachment.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has also issued a notice asking the Youth Congress to vacate its office on Raisina Road by March 28. Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi termed the action illegal and politically motivated, and said the party has decided to move the court.
The Akbar Road building is described as historically significant. During the British era, it was associated with Reginald Maxwell of Viceroy Linlithgow’s executive council, and later housed Myanmar’s ambassador to India, Thaw Kin Kyi; the report adds that Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi lived there for several years.
