In a significant move, the Indian National Congress unveiled its new headquarters, Indira Bhavan, located at 9A Kotla Road, New Delhi. The state-of-the-art, five-story building was inaugurated by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The building replaces the iconic 24 Akbar Road, which served as the party’s headquarters for nearly five decades.
Honoring the Party’s Legacy
The ₹225-crore headquarters, built with contributions from party supporters, showcases Congress’s 140-year-old history through rare photographs, famous speeches, and memorabilia. The structure houses 246 rare pictures, including portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, B.R. Ambedkar, and other freedom fighters. The building also pays tribute to party leaders who contributed significantly to India’s independence and democratic journey.
Notably, the headquarters features photographs of leaders who were once part of Congress but later left the party, such as V.P. Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Suresh Pachauri, and Rita Bahuguna Joshi. Congress leaders have emphasized their commitment to preserving history, irrespective of differences in the past.
Features of Indira Bhavan
Spread across 2,100 square meters, the headquarters boasts modern facilities, including a 276-seat auditorium and the Dr. Manmohan Singh Library, named in honor of the late former Prime Minister. Ajay Maken, Congress Treasurer, stated that the building reflects the party’s ideology of inclusive growth and its commitment to the underprivileged.
A Symbol of Resilience
Ajay Maken highlighted that the total expenditure for Indira Bhavan is merely one-fifth of what BJP and RSS spent on their respective headquarters. Built by L&T, the construction cost is yet to be fully settled.
A Walk Through History
The new headquarters prominently displays portraits of Congress’s first president, Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, and current president, Mallikarjun Kharge. The building also includes photographs of pivotal moments in the party’s history, such as a 1998 rally in Rohtak featuring Sonia Gandhi and Sitaram Kesri.
Conclusion
Indira Bhavan stands as a testament to Congress’s storied past and a symbol of its ongoing commitment to India’s democratic fabric. The party aims to use this headquarters as a hub to strategize, connect with grassroots workers, and uphold its legacy in the ever-evolving political landscape.