Historical Background

Founded by Allan Octavian Hume along with Dadabhai Naoroji in 1885, Indian National Congress has deep historical, cultural, social and nationalistic roots. Their ideology rests as centre left, secularist, and with beliefs in democratic socialism. They are popularly as well as symbolically recognized by the use of a hand which represents unity, strength in common people’s voice and empowerment. 

Primarily formed and established as a mouthpiece for educated Indian population to raise political concerns under the colonial rule, it experienced transformation with the strong leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose and many others. With major contribution in putting an end to British regime in 1947, it became synonymous to India’s independence struggle. With above mentioned leaders, Indian National Congress focused on promoting education, awareness on health and hygiene, secularism and democracy.

Post-independence era witnessed milestone moments achieved by the party such as abolition in zamindari system, implementation of five year plan after the constitution of planning commission and thereafter, kick starting green revolution. Years following after 1990s marked an era of coalition and decline of Congress because it faced challenges with the rise of Bharatiya Janata Party and were plagued with internal conflicts, corruption scandals as well as electoral losses. Although Indian national Congress lost general election to BJP in 2014 and 2019, but under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, they have initiatied praise worthy steps through Bharat Jodo Yatra and women centric schemes. 

Indian National Congress stands tall and strong in communicating their vision through holistic policy formulation on various issues, ranging from minorities, farmers, underprivileged communities to women in rural as well as urban spaces.

1.1. Profile of Indian National Congress

Founded in:        1885

Nature:                National political party

Founders:           Allan Octavian Hume, Dadaji Naoroji, and others

Past leaders:     Mahatma Gandhi, Jawarharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, etc

Ideology:            Centre-left, secularism, democratic socialism

Current President:    Mallikarjun Kharge

Prominent Figures:   Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Symbol:              The hand

Legacy:               Synonymous to Indian independence struggle