The Indian National Congress: A Historical Overview

Introduction

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume(A.O Hume) with the objective of including Indians in the political landscape. Over time, it played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and continued to influence the nation post-independence through reforms and revolutionary initiatives.

History of the Indian National Congress

Beginnings

• The Indian National Congress was established on December 28, 1885, with 72 delegates at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Mumbai (then Bombay).
• Allan Octavian Hume, a retired Indian Civil Services officer, was instrumental in its formation.
• The Congress aimed to provide a platform for civil discussions between Indians and the British.
• Membership was initially limited to educated Indians who were open to modernization and could influence public opinion.
• Hume served as the General Secretary, while Womesh Chunder Banerjee(W.C Bannerjee) was its first President.

Struggle for Independence

• As the INC evolved, it embraced the Swadeshi movement and the concept of ‘Home rule.’
• In 1919, Mahatma Gandhi became a prominent figure in the Congress, transforming it into a mass movement.
• Under Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress addressed critical issues such as caste discrimination, healthcare, literacy, and the purdah system.
• The Congress spearheaded key movements, including the Quit India Movement, the formation of the Indian National Army Defense Committee, and navigated the challenges of the Partition of India and Pakistan.

Indian National Congress in the Post-Independence Period

Forming the Constitution

• After Independence, the INC played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution, advocating liberal and inclusive principles.
• The party pushed for the abolition of untouchability and caste discrimination and made primary education compulsory.
• Several initiatives were undertaken to stabilize and develop the newly independent nation.

Revolutions and Initiatives

• Green Revolution (1960s): Launched to ensure self-sufficiency in food production, with strong support from the Congress.
• White Revolution (1970s-80s): Boosted milk production across India, transforming the dairy industry.
• Liberation of Bangladesh (1971): Led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, this initiative helped liberate Bangladesh from military control.
• Economic Reforms (1991): The Congress-led government introduced significant economic reforms that lifted India out of financial instability and set the stage for rapid growth.

Reasons for the Establishment of the Indian National Congress

There are two major theories regarding the formation of the INC:

1. Safety Valve Theory: Suggests that the Congress was established as a controlled outlet for Indians to voice their concerns, preventing potential uprisings against British rule.
2. Pragmatic Approach: Proposes that the Congress was created to safeguard British interests by providing a structured platform for political discourse, avoiding direct revolts.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale observed that without British involvement, there would not have been an organization representing the majority of Indians at the time.

Congress in State Politics

• Initially, the INC dominated both national and state-level politics post-independence.
• Over time, it began alternating power with other national (e.g., BJP) and regional parties (e.g., Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh).
• By the early 21st century, Congress’s influence had declined, with stronger presence in northeastern and northern states but weaker performances in most southern states.

Conclusion

The Indian National Congress, one of India’s oldest political parties, was initially formed to foster dialogue between Indians and the British. However, with the rise of the Swadeshi movement, the party became a driving force for independence, leading numerous initiatives to achieve freedom. In the post-independence era, the Congress continued to shape India’s trajectory by focusing on liberal governance, economic progress, and educational reforms. Its contributions, from the Constitution to economic liberalization, remain significant in shaping modern India.