Congress Asked to Vacate Akbar Road HQ by March 28, Political Row Intensifies

A major political confrontation is brewing in the national capital after reports emerged that the Centre has directed the Indian National Congress to vacate its iconic headquarters at 24 Akbar Road by March 28. The move has triggered strong reactions within the party and could soon escalate into a legal and political battle.

Why Did the Government Issue This Notice?

According to reports, the Estate Department has issued an official notice asking the Congress to vacate the premises. The bungalow has been allotted to the party for decades, but with shifting policies and reallocation norms, the Centre appears to be reclaiming the property.

Even though Congress formally shifted to its new headquarters, Indira Bhavan, last year, several operations continued from Akbar Road. This continued usage may have played a role in the government’s decision.

What About Other Congress Offices?

The directive is not limited to just Akbar Road. The government has also asked the Indian Youth Congress to vacate its office at 5 Raisina Road.

Sources suggest that the party is now exploring legal options to either challenge the notice or seek more time to vacate the premises.

Why Is 24 Akbar Road So Important?

The Akbar Road headquarters is not just a building—it is a symbol of Congress history and political legacy. The premises have served as the party’s nerve centre for nearly five decades.

It was from here that Indira Gandhi rebuilt the party after the 1977 electoral defeat. Later, leaders like Rajiv Gandhi, P. V. Narasimha Rao, and Manmohan Singh operated from this very address.

When Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the new headquarters, she and several senior leaders openly acknowledged their emotional connection to the historic bungalow.

What Is the Historical Significance of the Property?

The bungalow has a deep-rooted historical background. Before Independence, it housed Sir Reginald Maxwell, a member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council. Later, in the 1960s, it became the residence of Myanmar’s ambassador Daw Khin Kyi, where her daughter Aung San Suu Kyi spent part of her early life.

What Happens Next?

With the March 28 deadline approaching, the issue is expected to intensify politically. Congress may approach the courts, which could delay or temporarily halt the eviction process.

The development is likely to spark a broader debate over political space allocation, government authority, and opposition targeting. As tensions rise, all eyes are now on how this high-stakes confrontation unfolds in the coming days.