In a major sigh of relief just a day before the deadline to vacate its long-time headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, the Congress on Friday received a last-minute reprieve from its eviction notice, sources said.
The Congress aas issued a notice by the Directorate of Estates few weeks earlier, directing the party to vacate the iconic Lutyens’ bungalow by March 28, following its shift to the new headquarters, Indira Bhawan, on January 15 last year.
The notice also covered the eviction notice to Indian Youth Congress office located in central Delhi’s 5, Raisina Road.
According to sources the reprieve came after senior Congress leaders engaged in back-channel discussions with the government, which granted thrm a temporary relief.
Sources said that the party can keep the old office, from where it has been operating for last 48 years for next six months period.
Sources claimed that former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and senior leader Ajay Maken were involved in these talks with government representatives.
The 24, Akbar Road bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi was converted into the AICC headquarters after the party’s defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections.
The bungalow, a type 8 property was in 1978 with party MP G Venkatswamy after split in the party.
Historically, the property also housed Sir Reginald Maxwell, a member in charge of Home in Viceroy Lord Linlithgow’s Executive Council.
According to sources, the grandson of British officer Alan Braithwaite had once visited the residence from the UK.
