NEW DELHI: The Indian National Congress has officially inaugurated its new headquarters in Delhi, naming it ‘Indira Bhawan’ in honor of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The library within the premises has been dedicated to Dr. Manmohan Singh, another former Prime Minister. This move has sparked a political debate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressing criticism over the naming choices.
BJP’s Critique: Prioritizing the Gandhi Legacy
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Congress for naming the new headquarters after Indira Gandhi, suggesting that the party continues to prioritize the Gandhi family over other prominent leaders. He questioned why the headquarters was not named after Dr. Manmohan Singh, pointing to posters at the venue that read “Sardar Manmohan Singh Bhawan.” Poonawalla alleged that the Congress had previously undermined Dr. Singh’s leadership, citing the creation of the National Advisory Council (NAC) above him and the tearing of his ordinance. He also noted that Dr. Singh had not been awarded the Bharat Ratna, despite his significant contributions.
Congress’s Response: Acknowledging Contributions
In response, Congress leader Anil Shastri dismissed the BJP’s criticism, labeling the poster controversy as a BJP conspiracy. He emphasized that the name ‘Indira Bhawan’ had been decided long ago and that the party had honored Dr. Manmohan Singh by naming the library after him.
Inauguration Details
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several prominent Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi. The new headquarters, located at 9A Kotla Road, marks a significant relocation for the party after 45 years from its previous address at 24 Akbar Road. The building is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organizational, and strategic activities.
Political Implications
The naming of the new headquarters and the library reflects the ongoing political dynamics within the Congress party and its relationship with former leaders. While the Congress aims to honor its legacy, the BJP’s criticism highlights the complexities of acknowledging contributions from leaders outside the Gandhi family.
