Indian National Congress: Formation, Important Sessions

Introduction

The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most influential political parties in India. Established in 1885, it played a crucial role in the country’s struggle for independence from British rule. Initially, it served as a platform for Indian leaders to voice grievances and demand reforms within the British colonial system. Over time, under the leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress evolved into a mass movement advocating for complete independence. 

Formation of the Indian National Congress

• Role of A.O. Hume: A retired English civil servant, played a crucial role in shaping an all-India organization. 
• • He collaborated with leading intellectuals of the time to organize the first session of the Indian National Congress (INC).
• First Congress Session
  • Held: At Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay in December 1885. 
  • It was attended by 72 delegates, mostly lawyers.
• Contemporary British Viceroy: Lord Dufferin.
• Annual Meetings: Following the first session, annual meetings were held in December in different parts of the country each year.

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Important Congress Sessions

Moderate Phase (1885-1905)

• They were staunch believers in ‘liberalism’ and ‘moderate’ politics.
• Prominent Leaders of Moderate Phase: Dadabhai Naoroji,Pherozeshah Mehta,D.E. Wacha, S.N. Banerjea, W.C. Bonnerjee. 
• Methodical and Cautious Approach:
  • 3P method: Petition, Prayer and Propaganda.
  • They believed that the British basically wanted to be just to the Indians but were not aware of the real conditions.
  • Believed in Liberalism and constitutional agitation within legal boundaries.
  • Aimed to create public opinion for reforms through education, uniting Indians on political issues.
  • Worked towards greater Indian participation in legislative councils and more control over finances.

• Major Demands of Moderate Leaders

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Contributions of the Moderates:

• Economic Critique of British Imperialism: They advocated for an independent Indian economy, reduced land revenue, better working conditions, and protection of local industries.
• Contribution to Legislative Councils: Gradual growth of the national movement. 
  • Their demands were partially addressed in the Indian Councils Act of 1892, which expanded councils but did not meet nationalist desires for more power. 
  • Later demands included a majority of elected Indians, and self-government on the lines of the self-governing colonies of Canada and Australia.
• Nationalist Movement: Emphasis on constitutional methods, economic critique, and demands for greater Indian participation in governance played a significant role in shaping the early nationalist movement in India. 
• Role of Masses: Narrow social base and the masses played a passive role.

Government Response:  

• Divide and Rule Strategy: They openly condemned the Congress and adopted a ‘divide and rule’ strategy involving encouraging individuals like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Raja Shiv Prasad Singh to organize the United Indian Patriotic Association to counter Congress propaganda. 
• Carrot and Stick Approach: was used to pit the Moderates within the Congress against the more radical Extremists. 

Conclusion

• The Indian National Congress during its initial phase played an important role in shaping the political landscape of colonial India. 
• Through a strategy of nonviolent protest and negotiation, Congress leaders sought to achieve greater representation and autonomy within the British colonial framework. 
• This period laid the foundation for later movements towards independence, setting the stage for more assertive forms of resistance against British rule.