Source: IE
Subject: Modern History
Context: The Indian National Congress (INC) marked its 140th Foundation Day on December 28, 2025, prompting renewed reflection on its historical role in India’s freedom struggle and post-Independence politics.
About 140th Foundation Day of Indian National Congress (INC):
What it is?
- The Indian National Congress is one of India’s oldest and most influential political parties, which spearheaded the national movement against British colonial rule and later dominated India’s post-Independence political landscape.
Founded in: 28 December 1885
- First session: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay (Mumbai)
- First President: W. C. Bonnerjee
Origin:
- Founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant, along with Indian leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- Initially conceived as a platform to voice Indian grievances and influence British policy through petitions and constitutional methods
- Gradually evolved into a mass nationalist movement, especially under Mahatma Gandhi
Key features:
- Broad-based nationalist platform: Brought together Indians across regions, religions, and linguistic groups
- Ideological evolution: From moderate constitutionalism → mass civil disobedience → democratic socialism
- Mass mobilisation: Led movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India, and Purna Swaraj (1929)
- Post-Independence role: Advocated secularism, parliamentary democracy, planned economy, and non-alignment
- Organisational depth: Longest-running nationwide political organisation in India
Significance:
- Central force in ending nearly 200 years of colonial rule.
- Provided leadership in framing the Constitution, establishing democratic institutions, and shaping early economic and foreign policy.
