Extracts of the Speech of Shri K.C. Venugopal, General Secretary (Organisation), AICC at the inauguration function of the ‘Indira Bhawan’, the new AICC Headquarters on January 15, 2025. With immense pride and joy, we are here in this historic occasion. Today, as we inaugurated the new headquarters of the Indian National Congress, ‘Indira Bhawan’, we witnessed a moment, which is a proud moment for every Congress worker across the country.

This building is not a structure of bricks, but it is a testament of the dreams, dedication and sacrifices of the millions of Congress workers, who have tirelessly served the nation through this great Party.

With the advent of the new year, we stepped into this home. The new headquarters is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the present and the challenges of the future. This building is a reflection of our commitment to remain forward-looking while staying rooted in our rich history and values. It’s worth remembering that the construction of this building was started and initiated when Madam Sonia Gandhi was the President of the Indian National Congress. We completed and inaugurated the building now, our Hon’ble President Mallikarjun Kharge Ji as the INC President. It is a great honour that our guiding light Madam Sonia Gandhi is inaugurating the building today. I extend my heartful gratitude to the Hon’ble Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Ji, Madam Sonia Ji and Shri Rahul Ji for supervising the completion of this building.

My special gratitude to Priyanka Gandhi Ji for overseeing and finalizing and planning and designing the start of the headquarters, because yesterday night till 11 O’clock Priyanka Ji was here. Then, my thanks to Pawan Bansal Ji, before I also fondly remember the contribution of Late Shri Motilal Vora Ji, Ahmed Patel Ji, Murli Deora Ji, who were closely associated with the planning and construction of this building, thanks to Pawan Kumar Bansal Ji, Ajay Maken Ji, Treasurer AICC and Manish Chatrath and Kanishka, who tirelessly worked along with others for following the completion and technical formalities of the construction.

I also warmly welcome the L&T group of representatives, who have done this construction, Shri Kuldip Goel, Shri Anand Pratap, Shri Manish Pratap Singh and architect & interior designers Mr. Hafeez, MsAbooba Sharma, Satyendra Mallik, Mr. Pramod Kumar, Ms. Anita Jacob; consultant, Ms. Ranjita Begh; interior designers Ms. Namrita Dutt and Shahid Khan. Dear colleagues, as you will see the ‘Indira Bhawan’ the office of the Party functionaries, including Hon’ble Congress President and former President and General Secretaries and various departments and frontal organizations, it is also equipped with Library, spaces for Conference Halls, dedicated CWC meeting rooms and modern Media facilities. One of the most striking features of this building is celebration of our Party legacy. The walls and rooms are adorned with the portraits of our great leaders, historic milestones and inspiring quotes that remind us of the values and visions that have guided us for century.

From the struggle and times of the pre-independence era to the achievement of post- independent period, this building is a living museum of our Party’s unparalleled contribution to the nation. This day is not just about the inauguration of a new headquarters, it is about the entering spirit of the Congress Party. It is a tribute to the courage, determination and unwavering commitment of millions of Congress workers, who have made this moment possible.

I once again extend warm welcome to our Congress President, Former Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and all our dignitaries including the Working Committee Members and the Chief Ministers and the senior leaders. Let us celebrate this moment with the same resolve and passion that has always defined the ‘Indian National Congress’. Jai Hind!