Evolution of Congress and BJP Headquarters: A Tale of Priorities

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Congress and BJP’s headquarters have vastly different histories of development.
2. BJP built a modern headquarters in two years, while Congress took 50 years.
3. Congress moved to 24, Akbar Road in 1978 as its headquarters.
4. BJP updated its headquarters in 2018 with a modern five-story building.
5. Both party headquarters are now located near Lutyens’ Delhi.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Evolution of Congress and BJP Headquarters

The evolution of the headquarters of Congress and BJP reflects their organizational priorities and growth strategies. The BJP quickly built a tech-savvy headquarters in just two years, while Congress took nearly five decades to upgrade from the 24, Akbar Road office. This transformation showcases the contrasting approaches of both parties to modernize their operations and the way they manage organizational growth.

Congress Headquarters at 24, Akbar Road

Congress shifted its headquarters to 24, Akbar Road in 1978, a bungalow that had originally been allotted to Congress MP G. Venkatswamy. Over time, the office space at 24, Akbar Road expanded illegally, as Congress added more rooms to accommodate its growing number of workers. Despite its increasing size, the office remained technologically backward, with physical paperwork moving from desk to desk.

The lack of basic facilities was also a recurring issue. While the top Congress leaders enjoyed attached bathrooms, hundreds of workers had to use just two stinking lavatories. The situation worsened for women, who had no dedicated washrooms, even though the party pushed for women’s rights initiatives.

BJP’s Strategic Growth and Modern HQ

In contrast, the BJP quickly realized the need for a modern headquarters as it grew electorally. After coming to power in 1996, it took the BJP just 22 years to construct a modern office that would meet its growing needs. The BJP’s new headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg was built in 18 months, designed to accommodate modern communication and organizational requirements.

BJP’s organizational growth in recent years also led to the construction of party offices in every district across India. Their use of digital tools and modern technology set them apart from Congress, whose operations continued to rely heavily on manual processes.

The Political and Historical Context

The contrast in the two parties’ headquarters also sheds light on their political journey. Congress, which was founded in 1885, remained somewhat stagnant in updating its office, while the BJP, a relatively newer party, quickly embraced modernity. In fact, Congress’s attempt to build a new office in the 1980s was halted after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. The plot for the new headquarters was eventually given to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

The story of these headquarters not only reflects the organizational growth of these two political giants but also highlights the strategic decisions that shaped their evolution. The move of Congress from 24, Akbar Road to a modern building in 2025 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the party, one that might reflect their shift towards adopting more modern, tech-driven strategies.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• BJP built its new headquarters in 2018 after decades of electoral growth.
• Congress operated out of 24, Akbar Road for over 50 years, with illegal additions.
• BJP’s focus on modernity and technology sets it apart from Congress.
• The story of these headquarters reveals much about each party’s priorities and growth.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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