The Indian National Congress (INC) has announced that it will officially move to its new headquarters at 9A, Kotla Road in New Delhi on January 15.

The new All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, named after India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, will be inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, in the presence of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

The party’s previous headquarters at 24, Akbar Road has served as its base since 1978, a time marked by significant challenges following the Emergency and the loss in the 1977 elections.

The inauguration ceremony is expected to draw around 400 prominent leaders from across the country, including members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), former Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and key Congress figures.

The ‘Indira Gandhi Bhawan’ has been designed to accommodate the evolving needs of the party, featuring modern facilities that support administrative, organizational, and strategic functions. The foundation stone was laid by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi in December 2009. Although construction faced delays due to financial issues and political changes, the building is now complete and ready for its official opening.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal shared the news on Tuesday via X, stating, “It is time for us to move ahead with the times and embrace the new.” He emphasized that the structure was built during Sonia Gandhi’s presidency of the party.

“Located at 9A, Kotla Road, New Delhi, Indira Gandhi Bhawan is tailored to meet the party and its leaders’ evolving needs, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organizational, and strategic activities. This iconic building reflects the Congress Party’s forward-looking vision while honoring its remarkable past, which has significantly influenced India’s political and social landscape,” he added.

The ceremony will include senior leaders such as CWC members, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Presidents, Congress Legislative Party (CLP) Leaders, MPs, and other distinguished guests. Notably, former Chief Ministers, ex-PCC Presidents, and Union Ministers are also expected to attend this historic event.

The new headquarters will accommodate various Congress departments and organizations, including the Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, and NSUI, positioning it as a central hub for the party’s future initiatives. This relocation marks a new chapter for the Congress party as it continues its mission to shape India’s democratic framework.

The Congress party on Wednesday announced plans to introduce the ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’, offering free health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh if they are elected in the upcoming Delhi elections on February 5.

Ashok Gehlot, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and a senior party figure, expressed confidence in the Congress’s prospects of forming a government in the capital, describing the proposed initiative as a potential ‘game-changer’. “The landscape in Delhi has shifted. The Congress campaign is stronger this time, and I believe the results will reflect that. Our chances of forming the government in Delhi are steadily rising,” he stated.

He elaborated that the scheme aims to provide extensive health coverage for families, encompassing medical expenses related to critical illnesses, hospitalizations, and treatments. “The health insurance program in Rajasthan has seen great success, and we will replicate that in Delhi. Our benefits are universal, unlike the limitations seen in Ayushman Bharat,” he added.

Gehlot emphasized that the ‘Jeevan Raksha Yojana’ demonstrates the Congress party’s dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of Delhi’s residents. The campaign slogan “Hogi Har Zarurat Puri, Congress Hai Zaroori” was prominently featured during the announcement, underscoring the party’s commitment to delivering essential services to all citizens.

This announcement follows the Election Commission’s release of the poll schedule, with results from the single-phase elections set to be declared on February 8.

Additionally, as part of its pre-election commitments, Congress revealed the ‘Pyari Didi Yojana’, promising a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 to all women voters if they regain power in Delhi. This initiative was initially announced earlier this week by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar.

Gehlot remarked, “Following the successful launch of our guarantee program in Karnataka, we are excited to introduce the ‘Pyari Didi’ scheme in Delhi. I am confident that the Congress government will be elected and we will initiate the Rs 2,500 monthly support for every woman from day one, mirroring the Karnataka model.”

The Trinamool Congress has expressed its backing for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, as confirmed by AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday.

Kejriwal extended his gratitude to Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress, for her support.

He shared a message on X, saying, “TMC has announced their support for AAP in the Delhi elections. I am personally thankful to Mamata Didi. Thank you, Didi. You have consistently supported and blessed us through both our successes and challenges.”