140th Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress (INC)
140th Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress (INC)
On 28 December 2025, the Indian National Congress (INC) marked its 140th Foundation Day, commemorating one of the longest continuous journeys of a democratic political party in the world. The occasion was observed with a national flag-hoisting ceremony at the party headquarters, Indira Bhawan, New Delhi, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, along with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
About the Indian National Congress (INC)
The INC is among the oldest and largest democratic political parties globally. It functioned as the principal platform of India’s freedom struggle and remained the dominant political force in the decades following Independence.
- Founded: 28 December 1885
- First Session: Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay (now Mumbai)
- Founder: Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant
- First President: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee
- Original Participation: 72 delegates, mainly lawyers, journalists, and social reformers
Historical Evolution of the INC
The evolution of the INC broadly mirrors India’s political transformation:
1. Moderate Phase (1885–1905)
Focused on constitutional reforms, petitions, and dialogue within the British system. Prominent leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji and Pherozeshah Mehta.
2. Extremist Phase (1905–1919)
Triggered by the Partition of Bengal (1905), this phase saw assertive nationalism under the Lal–Bal–Pal trio, demanding Swaraj and promoting Swadeshi and boycott.
3. Gandhian Era (1919–1947)
Under Mahatma Gandhi, the INC transformed into a mass movement rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence). Major movements included Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India (1942).
4. Post-Independence Phase (1947–Present)
The INC shifted focus to nation-building, secularism, democracy, and social justice, particularly under leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
- 1907 – Surat Split: Division between Moderates and Extremists over political methods
- 1916 – Lucknow Pact: Reunification of INC factions and alliance with the Muslim League
- 1924 – Belgaum Session: Only INC session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi
- 1929 – Lahore Session: Under Jawaharlal Nehru, adoption of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence)
- 1931 – Karachi Session: Resolution on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme
Contemporary Significance (2025)
During the 140th Foundation Day, the INC leadership highlighted three central pillars:
- Ideological Assertion: Emphasis on the idea that Congress represents an ideology, rooted in secularism and constitutionalism
- Social Justice Agenda: Renewed focus on caste census, employment guarantees, and welfare of marginalized sections
- Institutional Protection: Commitment to safeguarding democratic institutions such as the judiciary, media, and election processes
The 140-year journey of the Indian National Congress is inseparable from the history of modern India itself. From an elite political forum in 1885 to a mass-based freedom movement and later a governing party, the INC has profoundly shaped India’s democratic ethos. As it enters its 141st year, the party stands at a critical crossroads, seeking to reconcile its historic legacy with the challenges of a rapidly evolving and competitive political landscape.