Congress Old Office Nostalgia: Stories and Anecdotes
The Congress party is shifting to a new corporate-style headquarters, bringing a wave of nostalgia for its old Lutyens bungalow. Here are some heartwarming stories and anecdotes from the past.
Congress PartyNostalgiaPolitical AnecdotesBjpCultural EventsReal EstateJan 11, 2025
The Congress party will soon be moving to its new corporate-style headquarters, not unlike the BJP, which made the shift a few years ago.
This transition has sparked a wave of nostalgia, especially among reporters who frequented the old office.
I was a regular visitor there during the 90s and early 2000s, attending the daily 4 pm press conference, which was always followed by an off-record chat with the spokesperson of the day.
In those days, before social media and instant news, we had the luxury of time to delve into the nuances and spins of each issue.
The party general secretaries were always accessible, and their doors were open to the media.
Digvijaya Singh was known for his jasmine tea and endless anecdotes, while Janardhan Dwivedi was a media magnate whose insights were invaluable.
From Ambika Soni and Margaret Alva to Prithviraj Chavan, B.K.
Hariprasad, and Mukul Wasnik, there was always someone to turn to for a warm welcome and candid discussion.
Ghulam Nabi Azad, though rarely in his office, occupied a prime spot overlooking the car park.
His room was always open for squatters, making it a go-to place for informal gatherings.
While most general secretaries came and went, one person remained a constant presence the late Motilal Vora.
As the party treasurer, he was the last to leave the premises each day, often ending his day with an evening walk around the roundabout.
I have a personal anecdote about Vora-ji.
As a rookie journalist and driver, I accidentally hit a Congress Party vehicle while reversing out of the car park.
My car suffered some damage, but the other vehicle was unscathed.
I returned to my office, and soon received a call from Vora-ji.
“I believe you had an accident with one of our cars today,” he asked.
I explained that I would pay for any damage, but he quickly reassured me, “Not at all.
Rather, I heard your car was damaged on our premises.
Can we pay for the repairs?” That was the spirit of the old guard.
The New BJP Chief
With the current BJP chief’s term nearing its end, there is still no consensus on J.P.
Nadda’s successor.
The party is reportedly considering an OBC or a Dalit leader to counter the opposition and change the narrative that the BJP is against backward communities.
Some suggest that the new party chief will be from the South.
However, there is a growing feeling that such calculations may be counter-productive in the long term, and it would be better to choose the most meritorious candidate.
Each power center has its favorite, but knowing the way Narendra Modi’s BJP operates, the chosen nominee will likely be someone who hasn’t appeared on any shortlist.
January of Jaipur
Social and cultural activist Sundeep Bhutoria, the Managing Trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, has curated another captivating event for the art and literary world.
Called “January of Jaipur,” the event will take place at the Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur, featuring soulful Sufi music by Kavita Seth and folk renditions by Anwar Khan Manganiyar.
Guests can also enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine and cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of the state.
Bhutoria has established himself as a cultural czar, organizing literary and artistic events in metros, tier two cities, and international venues.
His goal is to create an inclusive platform so that everyone can partake in the artistic diversity our culture offers.
It will be interesting to see what he has in store for February.
Work-Wife Balance
The chairman of L&T, S.N.
Subrahmanyan, is facing criticism for his comments advocating a 90-hour work week.
He reportedly told his staff to work on Sundays, adding, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife?” This has sparked numerous memes on social media, with one of the best coming from Ramesh Srivats, who wrote, “So far we were discussing work-life balance, the L&T Chairman has shifted the debate to Work-Wife balance.”
That’s all for now.
Here’s to the new beginnings and the rich tapestry of memories we carry forward.
About the Congress Party
The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most prominent political parties in India.
Founded in 1885, it has played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence and continues to be a key player in the country’s political landscape.
The party is known for its secular and democratic principles and has produced many of India’s most influential leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Congress party moving to its new headquarters?
The Congress party is expected to move to its new corporate-style headquarters in the coming week.
Who was Motilal Vora and what was his role in the Congress party?
Motilal Vora was a prominent leader and the party treasurer of the Indian National Congress. He was known for his dedication and often the last to leave the party premises each day.
What is the current situation regarding the BJP chief's successor?
The BJP is currently considering various candidates for the position of party chief, with a focus on including leaders from OBC and Dalit communities to counter the opposition.
What is 'January of Jaipur' and who is organizing it?
‘January of Jaipur’ is a cultural event organized by Sundeep Bhutoria, the Managing Trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, featuring music, food, and cultural performances at the Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.
Why did L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan face criticism?
L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan faced criticism for advocating a 90-hour work week and making derogatory comments about employees staying at home, which sparked numerous memes on social media.
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