Congress
The Congress party, officially known as the Indian National Congress (INC), is one of oldest and largest political organisations of India. Founded in 1885, it played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. After independence, the Congress became the dominant political force, leading the government for much of India’s post-independence history. The party is historically associated with the Nehru-Gandhi family, which has produced several prime ministers, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi. Other prominent leaders of the Congress party include Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, DK Shivakumar, Shashi Tharoor, Ashok Gehlot, and others. The Congress party advocates for secularism, social justice, and inclusive development. Some of the key issues that the Congress party has been fighting for in recent times include farmers’ distress, demonetisation, unemployment, GST, communalism, and others. Here are key details about the INC:
Key Features:
- Formation and Historical Background: The INC was established on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai) by a group of educated Indians, including A.O. Hume. Initially, it aimed to provide a platform for airing the grievances of Indians under British rule.
- Role in Independence Movement: The party became a leading force in the Indian independence movement, advocating for self-rule and civil rights. Prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose were associated with the INC, mobilizing masses and organizing protests against British rule.
- Post-Independence Era: After India gained independence in 1947, the INC became the dominant political party, with Jawaharlal Nehru serving as the first Prime Minister. The party shaped India’s early policies, emphasizing secularism, democracy, and economic planning.
- Ideology: The INC espouses a centrist ideology, focusing on secularism, social justice, and inclusive development. It has historically aimed to represent a wide range of interests, promoting the welfare of marginalized communities.
- Electoral Performance: The INC dominated Indian politics for several decades post-independence, but its influence has waned in recent years, particularly with the rise of other parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It has faced electoral setbacks but remains a significant player in Indian politics.
- Leadership: The party has seen various leaders, with the Gandhi-Nehru family being prominent figures. Currently, Mallikarjun Kharge serves as the party president, and Rahul Gandhi, a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family, has been a significant leader and representative.
- Current Challenges: The INC faces challenges such as internal factionalism, competition from other parties, and the need to connect with younger voters. The party is working to rebuild its base and redefine its strategies in response to changing political dynamics in India.
The Indian National Congress continues to be an essential part of India’s political fabric, advocating for social justice, economic development, and democratic values while navigating the complexities of contemporary Indian politics.
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The full form of Congress is the Indian National Congress, and it was founded on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (now Mumbai). The party was initially formed to provide a platform for Indians to voice their grievances against British colonial rule and to work towards achieving self-rule for India.
The first president of the Congress was Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, who was elected at the party’s inaugural session in 1885.
The Congress was founded by a group of Indian intellectuals and political leaders, including Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, Dinshaw Wacha, and Surendranath Banerjee, among others.
The original name of the Congress was the Indian National Union, but it was later changed to the Indian National Congress.
The first symbol of the Congress was a pair of bullocks carrying a plough, which was also the symbol of the Janata Party, an opposition political alliance in the 1970s.
The Congress was declared illegal by the British colonial authorities on several occasions, the most famous being during the period of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922.
The title of the father of Congress is often attributed to Allan Octavian Hume, who was one of the founders of the party and played a crucial role in its early years.
The Indian National Congress was declared illegal several times during the colonial period, and it was also banned by the government during the Emergency period in the 1970s.
The Congress was banned by Lord Lytton, the Viceroy of India, in 1887, just two years after its formation.
The Congress lost its majority in India in the 2014 General Elections when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won a decisive mandate and formed the government at the center.
The first woman president of the Indian National Congress was Annie Besant, who was elected to the post in 1917.
Currently, the Indian National Congress is in power in several states in India, including Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
The leader of the Indian National Congress is currently Sonia Gandhi, who is the president of the party.
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