The Congress party on Wednesday expressed outrage after receiving a notice to vacate its Delhi office, alleging that the move was part of a broader attempt by the central government to silence political opposition. Party leaders described the notice as arbitrary and politically motivated, calling it an attack on democratic norms.

According to sources, the notice was issued by the municipal authorities, citing alleged violations related to property usage and lease agreements. Congress leaders, however, dismissed these claims as pretexts and accused the government of targeting the party ahead of upcoming elections in several states. “This is not about compliance, it’s about intimidation,” a senior Congress spokesperson said.

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders held an emergency meeting to discuss the next steps. They announced that legal action would be taken to challenge the notice and ensure that the office remains operational. “The government wants to silence us, but we will not bow to political pressure,” Kharge told reporters.

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The notice has sparked reactions from various political commentators and civil society members, many of whom see the action as part of an ongoing pattern of administrative measures being used against opposition parties. Analysts noted that tensions between the ruling party and Congress have escalated in recent months, with disputes over regulatory and municipal actions frequently making headlines.

Municipal authorities, for their part, have maintained that the notice is standard procedure and not politically motivated. They emphasized that the action pertains strictly to compliance with property regulations and not the political affiliations of the occupants. “All notices are issued according to law and existing municipal guidelines,” a senior official said, declining to comment on the timing of the notice.

Congress leaders, meanwhile, have vowed to continue their operations and maintain their presence in the capital. They have called on supporters and party workers to remain vigilant and continue advocacy without fear of administrative pressure. The controversy underscores the ongoing friction between opposition parties and government authorities in India, highlighting broader debates about political freedoms, administrative overreach, and democratic safeguards.

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