End of an era: 24 Akbar Road, a silent witness to 47-year Congress journey through highs and lows

The address of the Congress party headquarters has changed today. The new address is now 9A Kotla Road, a short distance from 24 Akbar Road. The former Congress headquarters has a storied history. During its tenure in power, the Congress party made many significant decisions from this building.

New Delhi: I am 24, Akbar Road speaking — the bungalow of the Lutyens-era which, from January 15, 2025, will be remembered as part of history.

Once the Akbar Road bungalow was home to Sir Reginald Maxwell, a member of Viceroy Lord Linlithgow’s Executive Council. It was also house to a young Aung San Suu Kyi, when her mother was appointed India’s ambassador, in 1961.

As the Congress headquarters, it has been a witness to many ups and downs in its 47 years, and seen the tenures of seven Congress presidents.

After the Supreme Court’s directive, all parties had to shift their offices outside Lutyens Zone. Finally, the Congress headquarters relocated to 9A, Kotla Road, equipped with modern facilities and amenities, but the party’s emotional connection with 24, Akbar Road and its history will always remain etched in memory.

On a cold January morning in 1978, a group of 20 workers from the Indira Gandhi-led breakaway Congress arrived at 24, Akbar Road, led by Shobhan Singh. From then on, it became the Congress headquarters.

In the 60s, it was called Burma House

After 47 years, it’s another cold January. The Congress party has unveiled its new headquarters. Importantly, on both occasions, the Congress, while in........

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