NEW DELHI: With assembly elections in five states and the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Congress war room in Delhi is being vacated. The Rajya Sabha’s housing committee has issued a notice requesting that the building which served as the war room be vacated promptly. Consequently, the party is making preparations to leave the building on GRJ Road in Delhi.

This bungalow was allocated in the name of the former Congress Bengal President and ex-Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Bhattacharya. Bhattacharya’s term ended on August 18, 2023 after which the Katti Housing Committee instructed the evacuation of the building. This location has been the site of important discussions including those involving the Congress screening committee for an extended period. Since 2011, the party’s social media division has also been operating from this location.

The party may encounter difficulties having to vacate the war room at a time when it needs to formulate vital election strategies, especially with assembly elections announced for five states. Bhattacharya has written to the housing committee, requesting additional time to vacate the bungalow, but has not yet received a response. Therefore, the party has decided to leave the premises as soon as possible. Party sources indicate that the war room will be relocated to a suitable location.

Before Bhattacharya, this bungalow was allocated to actress Rekha who like her predecessors did not reside there but used it solely for party activities. The bungalow is currently allotted to Karthik Sharma, an independent Rajya Sabha member from Haryana.