Question

Who did the Indian National Congress wish to speak for?

Answer 1

The Indian National Congress spoke for different communities of India.

• Indian National Congress had representation from many different communities.
• In December 1885, 72 delegates from all over the country met in Bombay to establish the Indian National Congress.
• The early leadership of Congress was mainly from Bombay and Calcutta.
• Educated Indians had felt a need to have an all-India organization since 1880, and this desire increased due to the racial attitudes of the British towards the Ilbert Bill.
• In the initial twenty years of its formation, Congress was focused on adopting moderate methods and objectives.
• During this time period, Congress focused on attaining a greater voice for Indians in the administration and the Government.
• Congress wanted the introduction of legislative councils in provinces, more powers, and more representation in legislative councils.
• For greater representation in Government, Congress wanted Civil Service Examinations to be conducted in India.
• As the British held positions of power and responsibility in the administration, Congress demanded Indianisation of administration which was part of a movement against racism in administration.
• Congress demanded freedom of speech and expression, repeal of the Arms Act, and separation of the Judiciary from the executive.
• Congress raised issues of poverty, and food shortages caused by the export of grains to Europe.
• Congress demanded more funds for irrigation, a cut in military expenditure, and a reduction in revenues.
• Congress criticised the salt tax, spoke for better treatment of Indian labourers abroad, and spoke about the sufferings of forest dwellers due to laws framed by the British administration.
• All the above points show that although Congress was a group of the educated elite they did not just speak for the rights of industrialists, zamindars or professional groups but worked for all sections of society.