The Indian National Congress (INC) has reportedly received an eviction notice for its long-standing office at 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi, a premises it has occupied since 1978. Party officials said the notice directs them to vacate the property by March 28.

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A similar notice has also been issued for the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) office at 5 Raisina Road, with the same deadline. The development has triggered a response from party leaders, who are now reportedly considering legal options to challenge the move.

Notices issued for key party offices

According to party functionaries, both properties, located in the capital's prominent Lutyens' zone have been central to Congress's organisational presence over the years. The Akbar Road address, in particular, has long been associated with the party's political identity in Delhi.

Despite shifting its main operations to Indira Bhavan near ITO, the Congress has continued to retain the Akbar Road office due to its symbolic importance.

Congress calls move 'politically motivated'

Senior Congress leader and MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticised the eviction notices, calling them "illegal and politically motivated", as reported by The Times of India. He confirmed that the party would explore all legal avenues in response.

"This is illegal and politically motivated, and all legal recourses would be taken against the notices," he said.

Party leaders indicated that they may approach the courts to prevent any forced eviction before the deadline.

Legacy

Congress functionaries stressed that the Akbar Road property represents an important part of the party's legacy. They also noted that the organisation has been paying market rent for the bungalow.

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A senior party manager was quoted as saying by POI, "We would want to retain both the addresses. It's part of our story."

They added that after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, attempts were made to have the property allotted to a senior Congress MP, though these efforts did not succeed. The Raisina Road office, meanwhile, had been allotted in the party’s name for use by its youth wing.

With the deadline approaching, the matter is likely to move into the legal arena, as the party prepares to contest the notices.