Complete History of Indian National Congress and Details of Its Sessions with Major Controversies
Explore the complete history of the Indian National Congress, its major sessions, and the key controversies that shaped one of India's oldest political parties.
Indian National Congress (PC- Social Media)
The Indian National Congress (INC), one of the oldest political parties in India, was founded on 28 December 1885 in Bombay (now Mumbai) under the leadership of A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha. Initially established as a platform to voice the concerns of educated Indians before the British government, the Congress gradually became the principal leader of the Indian independence movement.
Over the years, the Congress has seen ideological shifts, leadership changes, and internal divisions, yet it has played a crucial role in shaping modern India.
History of the Indian National Congress — At a Glance
• Foundation: 28 December 1885, Bombay • Founder: Allan Octavian Hume • Early Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak • Role: Led the freedom struggle against British rule • Post-Independence: Dominant political force in India for decades • Modern Phase: Facing electoral challenges and leadership crises
Number of Congress Sessions So Far & Their Locations
The Congress will hold its 86th session in Ahmedabad on 8-9 April 2025. Before this, the 85th session was held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh (24-26 February 2023), and the 84th session took place in Delhi in 2018.
List of All 83 Previous Sessions of Congress with Locations & Dates
(Refer to the attached list for the detailed enumeration from the 1st session in 1885 at Bombay to the 83rd session in Delhi in 2010.)
Major Controversies During Congress Sessions
1. Surat Split — 1907
The most significant controversy erupted at the Surat session (23rd Session), where the ideological differences between the Extremists led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the Moderates led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale surfaced. The session was suspended midway due to violent clashes, and the Congress split.
2. Tirupati Session — 1992
The Tirupati session is remembered for internal factionalism and controversy regarding party elections. Allegations of unfair practices and manipulation in electing the Congress Working Committee members were raised.
3. Calcutta Session — 1969
A historic split occurred when Indira Gandhi faced opposition from the Syndicate (senior Congress leaders). This session led to the official split of Congress into Congress (O) — Organisation and Congress (R) — Requisitionists led by Indira Gandhi.
4. Raipur Session — 2023
The Raipur session witnessed intense debates on party leadership reforms and the demand for strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level amidst electoral setbacks in various states.
Evolution & Legacy of Congress Party
Despite several splits, controversies, and electoral challenges, the Congress party remains a vital pillar of Indian democracy. The party’s history is not just a chronicle of political events but also a reflection of India’s socio-political evolution over the past 140 years.
As the Congress prepares for its 86th session in Ahmedabad, it carries the weight of its rich history, the lessons from its past controversies, and the hope for political resurgence in the coming years.