Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday inaugurated the party’s new headquarters at 9A Kotla Road, marking a significant milestone for the historic party, which had been based at its 24 Akbar Road location for the past 47 years.

The inauguration was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal, along with other senior leaders. The event featured party leaders raising the party flag and singing “Vande Mataram” and the national anthem. Sonia Gandhi officially opened the building by inviting Kharge to join her in cutting the ribbon at its entrance.

The new state-of-the-art headquarters, named Indira Gandhi Bhawan, represents the Congress party’s ongoing commitment to honouring the vision of its founding leaders. As AICC general secretary for organization K.C. Venugopal noted, “It is time for us to move ahead with the times and embrace the new.” The construction of Indira Gandhi Bhawan began during Sonia Gandhi’s tenure as party president.

Located at 9A Kotla Road in New Delhi, the new headquarters is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, equipped with modern facilities to facilitate administrative, organizational, and strategic activities.

Venugopal remarked, “This iconic building reflects the Congress party’s forward-looking vision, while also paying tribute to its extraordinary past, which has shaped the political and social landscape of India.”

Despite the move, sources indicate that the party will retain its 24 Akbar Road office, which has served as its headquarters since 1978 after the formation of Congress (I), and it will continue to host some of its operational cells. The construction of the new headquarters faced several delays due to funding shortages, particularly following the party’s loss of power at the national level. Similarly, the BJP has yet to vacate its former headquarters at 11 Ashoka Road, despite relocating to its new office at Deendayal Upadhyay Marg.

While longstanding members of Congress acknowledge the necessity for modern amenities and a larger space, they also recognize the enduring emotional connection to 24 Akbar Road, a site rich in history for the party. The Akbar Road bungalow was once home to Sir Reginald Maxwell, a member of the executive council under Viceroy Lord Linlithgow, and it also hosted a young Aung San Suu Kyi in 1961 when her mother served as ambassador to India.

For Congress, 24 Akbar Road has been more than just an office; its expansive lawns have witnessed the leadership of seven Congress presidents, solidifying its significance in the party’s legacy.

Air India has issued an important travel advisory for passengers commuting to and from Delhi between January 19 and 26, 2025, citing restrictions related to Republic Day celebrations in the national capital. The airline has urged travelers to allow extra time for their journey and to verify flight statuses before heading to the airport.

In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Air India said, “Passengers traveling to and from Delhi between 19 & 26 Jan 2025, are requested to allow themselves more time and check the status of their flights before heading to the airport, due to Republic Day restrictions.” The airline also directed passengers to its contact center for further assistance.

Adding to the challenges, dense fog and poor visibility continue to disrupt flight operations in Delhi. Earlier in the day, Air India issued another advisory warning of potential delays due to fog and congestion at Delhi and other airports.

The city has been grappling with cold waves, contributing to worsened air quality. On Wednesday morning, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi fell to the “very poor” category, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reporting an AQI of 344. Comparatively, the AQI was recorded at 252 on the previous day.

Notable AQI readings included Vivek Vihar at 414, Wazirpur at 408, and Rohini at 399, all indicating severe pollution levels. The air quality at multiple locations, including Nehru Nagar (394), Patparganj (390), and Okhla Phase-2 (380), reflected alarming conditions. An AQI of 401-500 signifies severe pollution, posing health risks for residents.

As Delhi prepares for Republic Day celebrations, passengers are advised to remain cautious, account for delays, and monitor updates from airlines to ensure a smoother travel experience.

With the Delhi Assembly election slated for February 5, cracks within the INDIA opposition bloc have surfaced as the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) publicly supported the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), urging Congress to step aside in favor of regional strength. This comes amidst growing tensions within the bloc, which previously showed promise during last year’s Lok Sabha polls but has since faced electoral setbacks and internal discord.

The AAP and Congress are contesting Delhi’s 70 Assembly seats independently, raising questions about the bloc’s survival and effectiveness. The rivalry escalated after Delhi Congress leader Ajay Maken’s harsh criticism of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. In response, AAP demanded Congress’ removal as bloc leader, adding to the rift.

SP leader Akhilesh Yadav stressed the need for unity, pointing out that the INDIA bloc’s founding principle was to support regional parties best positioned to defeat the BJP. “When the alliance was formed, it was agreed that where regional parties are strong, the bloc would strengthen them. AAP is strong in Delhi, and our aim is to defeat the BJP,” Yadav said, offering SP’s support to AAP.

Echoing this sentiment, TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee referenced successful collaborations in Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand, where the Congress had taken a secondary role to regional parties like the DMK and JMM. “The INDIA bloc decided to let strong regional parties lead in their respective regions. In Delhi, AAP is the clear choice to take on the BJP,” Banerjee explained.

The INDIA bloc has faced similar challenges in other states. For instance, the Congress failed to strike a seat-sharing deal with AAP in Haryana, leading to a BJP victory. Allies like the SP and TMC have repeatedly highlighted these failures, urging Congress to prioritize unity over individual gains.

Despite the tensions, leaders like Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference have called for cohesion within the alliance. “The INDIA bloc is a permanent alliance, built for every day and every moment,” Abdullah said, emphasizing the need to overcome internal rivalries.

As the Delhi election approaches, the INDIA bloc’s ability to unite against the BJP remains in question. The Congress and AAP’s rivalry risks undermining the coalition’s collective strength, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance local ambitions with the alliance’s broader goals.