Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress (INC), commonly referred to as the Congress Party, is one of the oldest political parties in India. Founded in the late nineteenth century during the period of British colonial rule, it grew into the principal organisation of the Indian independence movement and, after independence in 1947, became one of the dominant political forces of the Republic of India.

Key Facts

Background

The Indian National Congress was established at a meeting held in Bombay in December 1885, with W. C. Bonnerjee presiding over the inaugural session. In its early decades, the Congress functioned largely as a forum for educated Indians to articulate political and administrative grievances to the British colonial administration, and to seek a greater share for Indians in governance.

Over time, the organisation broadened its base and its objectives. By the early twentieth century, it had become the central platform of Indian nationalist politics, encompassing a wide range of ideological currents from moderate constitutionalism to more assertive demands for self-government.

Role in the Independence Movement

Under leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Congress organised a series of mass political movements against British rule. Major campaigns associated with the party included the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.

The Congress also took part in the constitutional reforms of the colonial period, contesting elections under successive Government of India Acts and forming provincial ministries in the late 1930s.

After Independence

Following independence on 15 August 1947 and the partition of British India, the Indian National Congress formed the first government of independent India, with Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister. Several of the country's early Presidents, Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers were drawn from the party.

The party played a leading role in the framing of the Constitution of India, in shaping early economic planning through the Planning Commission and Five-Year Plans, and in the linguistic reorganisation of states. It dominated national politics for much of the period from 1947 until the late 1980s, with periodic interruptions.

Organisation

The Congress is organised at national, state, district and local levels. Its principal national bodies include the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and the Congress Working Committee (CWC). The party is led by a President, who is elected by its members, and operates state units known as Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs).

Symbol and Identity

The party's election symbol is a hand, and its flag traditionally uses the tricolour of saffron, white and green. Its ideological orientation has historically been associated with secularism, social welfare and a mixed economy, though specific policy positions have evolved over time.

Significance

The Indian National Congress is significant both as the principal vehicle of the Indian freedom struggle and as a long-standing national party in independent India. Its history is closely intertwined with the broader political, social and constitutional history of modern India.

Related Topics

• Indian Independence Movement
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Constitution of India
• Politics of India
• Quit India Movement
• Government of India

References

• Standard works on the history of the Indian National Congress and the Indian freedom movement.
• Official publications of the Indian National Congress.