In what seems to be a brief breather for the Indian National Congress, the social gathering has managed to retain its historic headquarters at 24 Akbar Highway — for now. Sources point out that after casual discussions with leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Get together (BJP), the Congress has been granted an extension for a number of months.

The extension, described as a “time-being association,” got here after backchannel negotiations involving senior functionaries from each the Congress and the ruling dispensation. Whereas no official announcement has been made, insiders counsel that this understanding affords short-term aid however doesn’t resolve long-term uncertainty surrounding the enduring deal with.

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PLAN TO RETAIN 24 AKBAR ROAD

In keeping with sources, the Congress is exploring choices to retain the bungalow by getting it allotted within the title of a senior chief. Below current norms, such “particular class” bungalows will be allotted to former Chief Ministers or ex–Cupboard Ministers. On this context, names like Ashok Gehlot, Digvijaya Singh, and Kamal Nath are into consideration.

Nevertheless, not all Congress workplaces could possibly safe related aid. The social gathering’s unit workplace at 5 Raisina Highway, presently housing the Youth Congress and NSUI, is prone to face eviction.

RELIEF FROM SUPREME COURT ON JANTAR MANTAR PROPERTY

Amid these developments, the Congress has a big authorized victory to fall again on. The social gathering has secured a ruling from the Supreme Courtroom, making it the first claimant to a number of properties contested in the course of the break up of the Congress within the Nineteen Seventies.

Many social gathering leaders imagine this might embody the outdated headquarters at Jantar Mantar. Based mostly on the courtroom’s order, the social gathering is anticipated to reclaim possession of a number of properties, together with some in Karnataka.

Get together strategists are actually contemplating shifting a number of frontal organisations to the Jantar Mantar premises as soon as possession is restored, doubtlessly easing the affect of shedding different workplace areas.

A HALF-WON BATTLE

Whereas the extension at 24 Akbar Highway supplies instant aid, the state of affairs underscores the continued tussle over prime authorities lodging in Lutyens’ Delhi.

For the Congress, the end result can greatest be described as a “half-won battle” — a brief victory that buys time however leaves the bigger query of its institutional footprint within the capital unresolved.

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