The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most prominent political parties in India. It played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Founded in 1885, the INC initially served as a platform for educated Indians to voice their concerns to the British government. Over time, it evolved into the leading force behind the independence movement, with figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel emerging as prominent leaders.
Post-independence, the INC became the dominant political party in India, holding power for several decades. It has been instrumental in shaping the political, social, and economic landscape of the country. The party has undergone various ideological shifts and internal divisions over the years, reflecting the diversity of its members and supporters.
Today, the INC continues to be a major political force in India, although it faces challenges from other parties in a competitive political environment. It has been involved in various national and state-level governments, advocating for a secular, democratic, and inclusive vision for the country.
How Indian National Congress Started?
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 during a period of burgeoning Indian nationalism and growing discontent with British colonial rule. Its inception can be attributed to the efforts of Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, along with prominent Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, and Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee.
The initial impetus for the formation of the INC came from the desire among educated Indians to have a platform to express their grievances and articulate their demands for political reforms within the framework of British colonial governance. The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885, with 72 delegates in attendance representing various regions and communities across India.
During its early years, the INC primarily focused on issues such as administrative reforms, representation in government services, and the promotion of Indian interests. It sought to work within the existing colonial system to advocate for greater Indian participation in governance.
However, over time, the INC evolved into the leading force behind the Indian independence movement. Through its annual sessions, public campaigns, and mass mobilization efforts, the Congress galvanized popular support and organized various forms of resistance against British rule, including boycotts, non-cooperation movements, and civil disobedience.
The Indian National Congress played a central role in shaping the political landscape of colonial India and eventually in the transition to independence. Its founding marked the beginning of a new phase in Indian history, characterized by the emergence of a unified nationalist movement striving for self-rule and liberation from colonial domination.
Evolution of Indian National Congress
The growth of the Indian National Congress (INC) can be understood through various phases in its history.
Formation and Early Years (1885-1905)
The INC was founded in 1885 as a platform for educated Indians to voice their concerns to the British government. Initially, it comprised mainly of moderate leaders who advocated for reforms within the colonial framework. The early years saw gradual growth in membership and influence, with the INC serving as a forum for political discussion and organization.
Swadeshi Movement and Mass Mobilization (1905-1919)
The early 20th century witnessed the emergence of more radical voices within the Congress, particularly in response to British policies such as the partition of Bengal in 1905. The Swadeshi Movement, which advocated for the boycott of British goods and promotion of indigenous industries, led to a surge in popular participation and Congress membership, especially among the urban middle class and educated youth.
Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience (1920s-1930s)
Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the INC adopted non-violent resistance as a strategy to challenge British rule. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) witnessed mass mobilization across India, with millions of people joining the Congress and participating in acts of protest and disobedience. This period saw a significant expansion of the Congress’s organizational reach and influence, particularly in rural areas.
Independence Struggle and Partition (1940s)
The demand for independence grew stronger in the 1940s, fueled by factors such as World War II and the British government’s reluctance to grant concessions to Indian nationalist aspirations. The Congress played a leading role in the struggle for independence, culminating in India’s independence in 1947 and the subsequent partition of the country into India and Pakistan.
Post-Independence Era (1947 onwards)
Following independence, the INC emerged as the dominant political party in India, holding power at the national level for several decades. It continued to grow in terms of organizational strength and electoral support, with its influence extending to various states and regions across the country. The Congress implemented significant social and economic reforms, while also facing challenges such as regionalism, caste politics, and ideological divisions.
The growth of the Indian National Congress reflects the evolving dynamics of Indian politics, the changing aspirations of the Indian people, and the party’s ability to adapt to new challenges and circumstances throughout its history.
Significant years for Congress
The Indian National Congress (INC) has had several periods of governance at the national level since India gained independence in 1947. Here’s a brief overview of the INC’s governing years at the central level.
1947-1977: The INC held power for the majority of this period, with Jawaharlal Nehru serving as India’s first Prime Minister from 1947 until his death in 1964. After Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and then Indira Gandhi (Nehru’s daughter) served as Prime Ministers. Indira Gandhi’s tenure witnessed significant political and economic changes, including the nationalization of banks and the Green Revolution. The Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi in 1975-1977 was a controversial period in Indian history.
1980-1989: After a brief period of non-Congress rule, Indira Gandhi’s Congress (I) party returned to power in 1980, with Indira Gandhi serving as Prime Minister until her assassination in 1984. She was succeeded by her son, Rajiv Gandhi, who led the party to a landslide victory in the general elections that year.
1991-1996: Following Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination in 1991, the INC, under the leadership of P. V. Narasimha Rao, formed the government. This period saw significant economic reforms, including liberalization and globalization policies. The INC lost power in 1996 but formed a coalition government in 2004.
2004-2014: The INC-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), with Sonia Gandhi as its chairperson and Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister, governed India for two consecutive terms. During this period, the government implemented various social welfare programs, economic reforms, and infrastructure projects.
2019-present: In January 2022, the INC was in the opposition at the central level, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Now, in 2024 again the congress is in opposition of BJP, as the first phase of election has started, soon the results will be out and Indian will get its governing party.
Important developments done during congress rule
During its tenure, the party has implemented numerous policies and initiatives that have had a profound impact on India’s development and governance. Here are some important developments undertaken under Congress rule:
- Economic Reforms and Planning
The Congress government, particularly under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, initiated the process of economic planning with the establishment of the Planning Commission in 1950. The government implemented the Five-Year Plans aimed at achieving rapid industrialization, agricultural development, and infrastructure growth.
- Green Revolution
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s and 1970s under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, aimed to increase agricultural productivity through the introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds, modern agricultural techniques, and irrigation facilities. This revolution significantly boosted food production and made India self-sufficient in food grains.
- Nationalization of Banks
Indira Gandhi’s government undertook the nationalization of major banks in 1969 and subsequently in 1980. This move aimed to bring banking services to rural areas, promote financial inclusion, and channel credit to priority sectors such as agriculture and small-scale industries.
- Space Program: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in 1969 under the INC government. Over the years, ISRO has made significant strides in space technology, launching satellites, conducting missions to explore space, and providing satellite-based services for communication, weather forecasting, and navigation.
- Nuclear Program
India’s nuclear program, including the development of nuclear weapons capability, began under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 (codenamed “Smiling Buddha”) during her tenure.
- Social Welfare Programs
The INC-led governments have introduced various social welfare programs aimed at poverty alleviation, rural development, education, and healthcare. Programs such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), and Right to Education (RTE) Act have been significant in addressing socio-economic challenges.
- Liberalization and Economic Reforms
In 1991, the Congress government under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao initiated liberalization, privatization, and globalization reforms to open up the Indian economy to foreign investment, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and stimulate economic growth.
- Infrastructure Development:
Indian National Congress Controversies
Congress-led governments have invested in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports, and airports to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and commerce, and boost economic development across the country.
These are just a few examples of the important developments undertaken under Congress rule. The party’s governance has encompassed a wide range of policies and initiatives aimed at advancing India’s socio-economic progress and strengthening its position on the global stage.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has been at the center of various controversies throughout its long history. Here are some of the controversies associated with the party:
- Emergency (1975-1977)
One of the most significant controversies in Indian political history was the declaration of a state of Emergency by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. During this period, civil liberties were suspended, political opponents were arrested, and censorship was imposed on the media. The Emergency was widely criticized as an abuse of power and a violation of democratic principles.
- Anti-Sikh Riots (1984)
Following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards in 1984, anti-Sikh riots erupted in several parts of India, primarily in Delhi. Thousands of Sikhs were killed in the violence, and there were allegations of Congress leaders’ involvement in orchestrating or condoning the attacks.
- Bofors Scandal (1980s)
The Bofors scandal, which came to light in the late 1980s, involved allegations of kickbacks in a deal between the Indian government and the Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors for the purchase of howitzer guns. The scandal tainted the reputation of the Rajiv Gandhi-led government and became a major political issue.
- Corruption Allegations
The Congress party has faced allegations of corruption at various times, involving high-profile cases such as the 2G spectrum scam, the Commonwealth Games scam, and the Adarsh Housing Society scam. These allegations have damaged the party’s image and led to public outrage over the misuse of public funds and resources.
- Internal Factionalism
The Congress party has been plagued by internal factionalism and power struggles, particularly between different factions within the party leadership. Infighting and disagreements over leadership have sometimes weakened the party’s unity and effectiveness.
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कांग्रेस को वोट दें ✋ pic.twitter.com/HSbfmjOqi9— Congress (@INCIndia) April 19, 2024
- Electoral Losses
The Congress party has faced electoral setbacks in recent years, including its defeat in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. These losses have raised questions about the party’s leadership, strategy, and ability to connect with voters.
While the Congress party has played a significant role in India’s political history and development, it has also faced its share of controversies and challenges, which have impacted its credibility and public perception.