The Congress party has secured temporary relief in retaining its long-standing headquarters at 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi, following informal discussions with leaders from the ruling BJP. According to sources, the arrangement allows the party to continue operating from the premises for a few more months, though it does not resolve the broader uncertainty over its future at the iconic address.
The extension is being viewed as a short-term understanding reached through backchannel negotiations between senior figures from both parties. While there has been no official confirmation, insiders suggest that this “time-being arrangement” offers breathing space but leaves long-term occupancy unresolved.
At the same time, the Congress is exploring possible ways to retain the bungalow on a more permanent basis. One option under consideration is to have the property allotted in the name of a senior leader eligible under the “special category” rules, which apply to former Chief Ministers or ex–Cabinet Ministers. Names such as Ashok Gehlot, Digvijaya Singh, and Kamal Nath are reportedly being discussed in this context.
However, not all party offices are expected to receive similar relief. The Congress unit office at 5 Raisina Road, which currently houses the Youth Congress and NSUI, is likely to face eviction, adding to the party’s logistical challenges in the capital.
In a parallel development, the Congress has gained significant legal backing from the Supreme Court regarding disputed properties linked to the party’s split in the 1970s. The ruling recognises the party as the primary claimant to several such properties, potentially including the historic premises at Jantar Mantar.
Party leaders believe this decision could allow them to regain possession of key assets, including some located in Karnataka. Strategically, the Congress is considering relocating some of its affiliated organisations to the Jantar Mantar property once control is restored, which may help offset the loss of other office spaces.
Overall, while the extension at 24 Akbar Road provides immediate operational relief, the situation highlights an ongoing contest over prime government accommodations in Lutyens’ Delhi. For the Congress, the current outcome represents only a partial victory—buying time in the short term while leaving its long-term institutional presence in the capital uncertain.
