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The Indian National Congress, a party with a legacy spanning nearly 140 years, has inaugurated its new headquarters, a six-story structure christened 'Indira Bhawan'. This move marks a significant shift from its previous location at 24, Akbar Road, a building fondly remembered by many for its sprawling lawns and old-world charm. The new building, constructed by L&T and designed by Hafeez Contractor, reflects a modern approach to party operations, resembling a corporate structure with restricted media access. This contrasts sharply with the more open and accessible nature of the previous office, where leaders and constituents freely interacted. However, the new building attempts to retain the historical significance of the Congress party through meticulous incorporation of its rich past.
The design of 'Indira Bhawan' is thoughtfully curated to serve as a visual timeline of the Congress party's journey. Each floor is dedicated to a specific era, showcasing the party's evolution from its inception in 1885 to the present day. Rare photographs, quotes from prominent leaders, and details of significant events and achievements adorn the walls, creating a walk-through exhibition celebrating the party's history. The ground floor houses a library named after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, alongside a media briefing room and a cafeteria. The meticulous display of historical artifacts includes photographs of all Congress Prime Ministers and their accomplishments, key AICC sessions, and pivotal moments in Indian history.
The building's interior design, reportedly heavily influenced by AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, incorporates a contemporary style while maintaining a historical feel. The top floor accommodates the offices of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Subsequent floors are designated for AICC general secretaries, heads of frontal organizations (Youth Congress, NSUI, Mahila Congress), party departments, and secretaries. The use of an 'open office' concept on the third floor exemplifies the party's attempt to balance tradition with modern workplace practices. The overall design strives to create an environment that encapsulates the Congress's rich legacy while adapting to the demands of contemporary political operations.
The vast collection of photographs displayed throughout the building offers a comprehensive visual narrative of the Congress's history. The approximate 246 photographs include iconic images such as Womesh Chandra Banerjee, the party's first president, juxtaposed with current president Kharge, highlighting the continuity of the organization. The photographs also capture critical junctures in Indian history, including Mahatma Gandhi's participation in the Second Round Table Conference, the Non-Cooperation movement, the Salt Satyagraha, and the Quit India movement. Key figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P V Narasimha Rao, and Manmohan Singh are prominently featured, showcasing their contributions to the nation. The inclusion of images such as Nehru with Albert Einstein, Lal Bahadur Shastri ploughing a field, and the surrender of Pakistani forces in 1971, adds depth to the visual narrative, portraying both political and socio-economic aspects of the Congress's influence.
The new headquarters also reflects the party's current political strategy, emphasizing the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar as central to its narrative of social justice. Ambedkar's photograph, accompanied by a powerful quote emphasizing social liberty, holds a prominent place on the ground floor. More recent photographs, such as those documenting the Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi, showcase the party's present-day initiatives. The visual representation throughout the building is a carefully crafted presentation of the Congress's historical contributions and its contemporary aspirations. The meticulous attention to detail and the selection of specific photographs underline the party’s attempt to position itself as the true inheritor of the legacy of India's freedom struggle and its continued commitment to social justice.
However, the shift to a more corporate-style structure also brings about changes in accessibility. Unlike the previous building, the new headquarters will have restricted access, limiting spontaneous interactions between leaders and constituents. This reflects a broader trend among political parties towards more controlled and structured interactions with the public. While the incorporation of history is a powerful statement about the party's legacy, the restricted access represents a departure from the more open environment of its former headquarters. This shift underscores the evolving nature of political operations in India and the party's adaptation to contemporary challenges in maintaining public engagement while managing internal operations efficiently.
Source: Old is gold at Congress new HQ, party’s 140-year history adorns the six storeys