Congress Ordered to Vacate Historic Akbar Road and Raisina Road Offices in Delhi
The Congress party has been served eviction notices for its iconic offices at 24, Akbar Road and 5, Raisina Road in Lutyens Delhi, with a deadline set for March 28, 2026. This development forces the party to vacate premises that have been central to its operations for decades, sparking a scramble for legal recourse and potential extensions.
Immediate Deadline and Party Response
According to sources within the party, the eviction notices were received just a few days ago, leaving the Congress with limited time to respond. The Akbar Road bungalow, which has served as the party's headquarters for 48 years, must be vacated by the end of this week, despite the Congress inaugurating its new headquarters, Indira Bhavan on Kotla Marg, last year. Similarly, the Indian Youth Congress office at 5, Raisina Road is also under eviction orders.
A Congress leader confirmed, "Eviction notices have been served for the party's former headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, and another key premises at 5, Raisina Road, with March 28 set as the deadline to vacate." The party is now actively weighing its next steps, which include approaching the courts for relief and seeking additional time from the government to reorganize its use of these properties.
Symbolic and Operational Implications
The potential loss of 24, Akbar Road carries profound symbolic and operational weight for the Congress. This premises has long been associated with the party's leadership, housing key coordination and decision-making activities in the national capital. Along with 5, Raisina Road, these offices have been vital hubs during the prime ministerships of Rajiv Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao, and Manmohan Singh, making their vacatur a significant blow to the party's historical continuity and daily functions.
Historical Significance of the Akbar Road Property
The Akbar Road bungalow boasts a rich history that predates its use by the Congress. Originally, it housed Sir Reginald Maxwell, a member of Viceroy Lord Linlithgow's Executive Council during the British Raj. Later, it became the residence of Daw Khin Kyi, Myanmar's Ambassador to India, where her daughter, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, spent several formative years. This historical backdrop adds layers of cultural and political significance to the current eviction scenario.
As the Congress navigates this challenging situation, the party's ability to secure extensions or legal reprieves will be closely watched, with implications for its operational efficiency and symbolic presence in India's political landscape.
