Sat Jan 18 16:31:59 UTC 2025: ## Congress Unveils New Delhi Headquarters: A Blend of History and Modernity
**New Delhi, January 18, 2025** – The Indian National Congress on Saturday opened the doors to its new headquarters, “Indira Bhawan,” a striking blend of modern design and historical reflection. Eighteen years in the making, the 2,100-square-meter building, completed this month, boasts energy-efficient features, Ikea furniture, and a notable collection of 246 rare photographs documenting the party’s rich – and sometimes turbulent – past.
The building, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹200-₹225 crore largely through contributions from party workers, features an auditorium seating 276, 134 trees, 8,675 plants, and 264 artworks. A cafeteria showcases paintings by Nandalal Bose, commissioned by Mahatma Gandhi. Historical images include meetings of the Planning Commission in 1985, featuring several future Prime Ministers. Prominently displayed are photographs of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, whose image was absent from the previous headquarters.
However, the building also features images of several leaders who later defected from the Congress, serving as a poignant reminder of the party’s internal struggles. Photographs depicting Sonia Gandhi with former leaders now in the BJP, and Ghulam Nabi Azad, who left the party after criticizing Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, are among those on display. A picture of Sonia Gandhi and the late Sitaram Kesari at a 1998 rally further highlights the party’s power dynamics. Party treasurer, Mr. Maken, emphasized the building’s significance in preserving Congress’ legacy.
First Piper 