The Indian National Congress on Wednesday received eviction notices for two of its key premises in the national capital — its long-standing national headquarters at 24 Akbar Road and the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) office at 5 Raisina Road. According to sources, the deadline to vacate both properties has been set for March 28, leaving the party scrambling to explore its legal and political options.
Despite having already shifted its primary operations to its new headquarters, Indira Bhavan near ITO, the Congress had continued to retain the Akbar Road address due to its deep symbolic and political significance. The bungalow has long served as the party’s nerve centre and remains closely tied to its historical identity.
Reacting sharply to the development, senior Congress leader and MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi termed the eviction notices “illegal and politically motivated.” He asserted that the party would pursue all available legal remedies to challenge the move. Other party functionaries echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the Akbar Road property represents a crucial part of the organisation’s legacy. They also pointed out that the party has been paying market rent for the premises.
Sources within the party indicated that efforts were made after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to secure the Akbar Road bungalow under the name of a senior Congress MP, but these attempts did not succeed. Meanwhile, the Raisina Road property had been officially allotted in the party’s name for use by its youth wing.
The latest development has triggered concern within Congress ranks, with some leaders acknowledging that the situation is more serious than in previous instances. The party is now expected to challenge the notices both legally and politically, focusing on issues of due process as well as the broader implications of the government’s decision.
Among the options being considered, Congress may approach the courts to seek relief or request additional time from the government to vacate the premises. Reports also suggest that the party could seek a short extension to reorganise the allotment structure. Another possible strategy under discussion involves facilitating the entry of a senior leader into the Rajya Sabha and having the bungalow allotted in their name, which could allow continued use of the property. However, such a move would require swift legal and political action before the March 28 deadline.
As the deadline approaches, the issue is set to escalate into a fresh flashpoint between the Congress and the government, with significant political and symbolic stakes attached to the outcome.
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