The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by a group of Indian nationalists, including Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha. The party was created to provide a platform for Indians to voice their demands for greater political representation and autonomy within the British colonial government.
In its early years, the Congress Party focused on constitutional and economic demands, such as the introduction of representative government and the protection of Indian industries. However, as the party grew, it became increasingly involved in the Indian independence movement.
During the early 20th century, leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel emerged as prominent figures in the Congress Party and the independence movement. Under their leadership, the party adopted a policy of non-violent civil disobedience as a means of pressuring the British government to grant India independence.
After India gained independence in 1947, the Congress Party became the dominant political force in the country. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, was a member of the Congress Party. His daughter Indira Gandhi and grandson Rajiv Gandhi were also members of the Congress Party and served as Prime Ministers of India.
In recent years, the Congress party has faced challenges and criticisms, however, it still remains a significant force in Indian politics.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has had several notable events and leaders throughout its history. Some of the special events include:
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this was a campaign of non-violent civil disobedience against the British colonial government.
The Salt March (1930): Also led by Gandhi, this was a protest against the British monopoly on salt production and taxes on salt.
The Quit India Movement (1942): A mass movement calling for the immediate withdrawal of British colonial rule from India.
The Emergency (1975-1977): A period of 21 months, during which Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suspended civil liberties and imposed press censorship.
As for the Chairman of the party, the Congress party has had several leaders throughout its history, some of the notable ones include:
Allan Octavian Hume: One of the founders of the Congress Party and its first General Secretary.
Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee: The first President of the Congress Party.
Mahatma Gandhi: Led the party during the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt March.
Jawaharlal Nehru: Led the party after the independence of India and served as the first Prime Minister of India.
Sardar Patel: One of the prominent leaders of the Congress Party, served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of India
Indira Gandhi: Daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, served as the Prime Minister of India and also the chairman of the party.
Sonia Gandhi: Wife of Rajiv Gandhi, served as the president of the party
Rahul Gandhi: Son of Rajiv Gandhi, served as the President of the party from 2017 to 2022
Currently, Congress party is headed by President Sonia Gandhi and working president, Rajeev Satav.