The Indian National Congress declares 26 January as Independence Day or as the day for Poorna Swaraj ("Complete Independence") which occurred 17 years later.

The Indian National Congress: A Legacy of Leadership and Nation-Building

The Indian National Congress (abbreviated as INC), commonly referred to as the Congress Party or simply Congress, stands as a pivotal political force in India, distinguished by its deep and extensive roots across the nation. Established on December 28, 1885, by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British Indian Civil Service officer, along with prominent Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Wacha, it emerged as the inaugural modern nationalist movement within the vast British Empire, spanning both Asia and Africa. Initially conceived as a platform for civic dialogue and seeking greater Indian representation in governance through constitutional means, its objectives evolved significantly. From the late 19th century onwards, and particularly after 1920 under the transformative leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress ascended to become the principal architect and spearhead of the Indian independence movement. Through its unwavering commitment to non-violent civil disobedience and mass mobilization, the Congress ultimately led India to achieve independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. Its profound success and methods powerfully resonated with and influenced numerous other anti-colonial nationalist movements throughout the British Empire and beyond, solidifying its historical significance. Due to its unparalleled and enduring history, spanning over a century, the Congress is affectionately and respectfully known as the "grand old party" of Indian politics.

The Congress Party in Independent India: Dominance and Evolution

The Indian National Congress holds the distinction of being one of the two pre-eminent national political parties in contemporary India, coexisting alongside its primary rival, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Characterized as a "big tent" party, it has historically embraced a broad spectrum of ideologies and social groups, positioning its platform generally within the political centre of India. Following India's hard-won independence, the Congress rapidly consolidated its position as a dominant "catch-all" party under the visionary leadership of its first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. For the subsequent two decades, it exerted unparalleled influence, essentially shaping the nascent Indian political landscape. During this foundational period, the Congress consistently advocated for socialist policies, focusing on a planned economy, state-led industrialization, and significant public sector investment to achieve social justice and equitable growth. Concurrently, it firmly established India as a secular state, championing the principle of state neutrality towards all religions and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for citizens of all faiths. After the passing of Nehru in 1964 and the brief but impactful tenure of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Nehru's daughter, assumed leadership of the party, marking a new era. As of 2021, in the 17 general elections conducted since independence, the Congress Party has secured an outright majority on seven occasions and has successfully led ruling coalitions three additional times, collectively heading the central government for an impressive cumulative period exceeding 54 years. India has been served by six Prime Ministers hailing from the Congress Party:

Key Splits and Ideological Shifts Within the Congress

The long trajectory of the Indian National Congress has not been without its internal challenges and transformative shifts. In 1969, the party experienced a momentous split, largely driven by ideological differences and a power struggle between Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the party's established leadership, often referred to as the "Syndicate." This schism led to a faction led by Indira Gandhi forming the Congress (Requisitionists) or Congress (R), while the remaining faction was designated as the Congress (Organisation) or Congress (O). The Congress (R), under Indira Gandhi's populist appeal and focus on pro-poor policies (like "Garibi Hatao" – eradicate poverty), rapidly became the dominant faction, decisively winning the 1971 general election with a formidable margin. However, the party faced another significant internal division in 1979, following the politically turbulent post-Emergency period and growing dissent within its ranks. This led to the creation of the Congress (I), where 'I' stood for Indira, a faction that was eventually recognized as the official Indian National Congress by the Electoral Commission in 1981. Under the dynamic leadership of Rajiv Gandhi, Indira's son, the party achieved a landslide victory in the 1984 general elections, capitalizing on a wave of sympathy following his mother's assassination. However, it subsequently lost power in the 1989 elections to the National Front, a coalition of opposition parties. The Congress then returned to power in 1991 under the leadership of P. V. Narasimha Rao, who ushered in a period of radical economic transformation. Rao's government initiated comprehensive economic liberalisation reforms, including deregulation, privatization, and opening up the Indian economy to global markets, marking a sharp and unprecedented break from the hitherto socialist-leaning policies of previous Congress leaders. Despite these significant reforms, the party lost the 1996 general election and was replaced in government, initially by a coalition led by the National Front and subsequently by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The United Progressive Alliance Era and Recent Electoral Performance

After a record period of eight years out of office, during which coalition governments struggled to maintain stability, the Congress-led coalition known as the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) successfully formed the government following its victory in the 2004 general elections. Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and the architect of India's 1991 economic reforms, became the Prime Minister. The UPA government, often credited for landmark social welfare initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and the Right to Information Act, was again able to form the government after winning the 2009 general elections. This victory was particularly significant as it made Manmohan Singh the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962 to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically in the 2014 general election, where the Congress Party suffered a crushing defeat, securing only 48 seats out of the 543-member Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Parliament of India). This marked its worst electoral performance since independence and signaled a major political realignment in the country.

Ideology and Organizational Structure of the Congress Party

On social issues, the Indian National Congress consistently advocates for secular policies that uphold the principle of equal opportunity for all citizens, irrespective of their religion, caste, or background. Its platform champions fundamental rights such as the right to health, civil liberties, and the comprehensive welfare of weaker sections and minority communities. Economically, the party has evolved to support a market-oriented mixed economy, balancing state intervention with private enterprise. As a historically centric party, its policies have predominantly reflected balanced temporal positions, encompassing core tenets like secularism (maintaining state neutrality towards all religions and equal respect for all faiths), egalitarianism (promoting social equality and justice, often through affirmative action and welfare schemes), and addressing issues of social stratification to foster an inclusive society. In line with global economic trends and domestic needs, the INC currently supports contemporary economic reforms, including further liberalisation, integration into the global economy (globalisation), and strategic disinvestment from public sector undertakings, albeit with a focus on welfare and regulatory oversight. Since its inception, a total of 61 distinguished individuals have served as the President of the INC, a testament to its long democratic tradition. Sonia Gandhi holds the record as the longest-serving president of the party, having held the office for an extensive period exceeding twenty years, specifically from 1998 to 2017, and again from 2019 (as interim president). The organizational structure of the Congress is meticulously tiered to ensure broad representation and effective functioning. The smallest functional unit of the Congress is the District Party, operating at the grassroots level. At the state level, there is a Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) in every state, responsible for coordinating party activities and strategies within their respective jurisdictions. Together, delegates elected from the various district units and the Pradesh Congress Committees form the All India Congress Committee (AICC), which serves as the party's highest deliberative body and frames national policy. The party is further organized into a myriad of committees, departments, and frontal organizations, such as the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students' Union of India, to address specific issues and mobilize diverse sections of society.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Indian National Congress

What is the Indian National Congress (INC)?
The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of India's two major political parties, historically significant as the primary force behind the Indian independence movement. Founded in 1885, it is often referred to as the "grand old party" due to its extensive history and influence in shaping modern India.
When was the Indian National Congress founded and by whom?
The INC was founded on December 28, 1885, by Allan Octavian Hume, a former British civil servant, along with prominent Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji. Its initial aim was to provide a platform for civil and political dialogue among educated Indians to demand greater representation.
What was the INC's role in India's independence movement?
From the early 20th century, particularly under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, the INC became the central force of the Indian independence movement. It spearheaded non-violent civil disobedience campaigns and mass movements, leading India to independence from British rule in 1947 and inspiring anti-colonial movements globally.
How many times has the Congress Party led the central government?
As of 2021, the Congress Party has won an outright majority in seven general elections and led ruling coalitions in three others, holding power at the central government level for a cumulative period of over 54 years since independence, making it the longest-ruling party in India.
Who have been the Prime Ministers from the Indian National Congress?
Six individuals from the Congress Party have served as India's Prime Minister: Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P. V. Narasimha Rao, and Manmohan Singh.
What are the core ideologies of the Indian National Congress?
The INC is characterized as a "big tent" and politically centric party. Its core ideologies include secularism (state neutrality towards all religions), egalitarianism (social equality and justice), and a commitment to the welfare of all sections of society, particularly weaker sections and minorities. Economically, it has evolved from state-led socialism to supporting a market-oriented mixed economy with ongoing liberalisation and globalisation, while maintaining a focus on social safety nets.
How is the Indian National Congress organized?
The Congress Party has a multi-tiered organizational structure designed for broad representation. The smallest unit is the District Party at the grassroots level. At the state level, there are Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs). Delegates from these units form the All India Congress Committee (AICC), the party's highest deliberative body. It also includes various specialized committees, departments, and frontal organizations like the Indian Youth Congress.