New Delhi: The Congress has received temporary relief after the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued a notice asking the party to vacate its office at 24, Akbar Road by Friday.
The Akbar Road address has served as the party’s headquarters since 1978. However, for administrative and space reasons, the Congress shifted its main operations in January 2025 to a new office at ITO, named “Indira Bhavan”, where party work is currently being carried out.
Despite the move, the party has continued to retain the Akbar Road address, citing its identity and political significance, and has been paying rent for it. A similar notice was also issued to vacate the Congress youth wing office at 5, Raisina Road.
With the deadline set to end today, the party is now expected to be able to keep the Akbar Road office for another six months. The relief is said to have come after discreet discussions with the central government, reportedly involving senior leaders Ashok Gehlot and Ajay Maken.
The Congress is also exploring interim arrangements, including operating from an alternative government accommodation once eligible former chief ministers are allotted residences. At the same time, the party has decided to approach the court against the ministry’s notice, with Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said to be involved in the process.
