Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress is the oldest political party in India and the principal opposition at the centre. It led the freedom movement against British rule and governed India for most of the post-independence period.
Ideology
History
Founded in 1885, the Congress became the umbrella of India's freedom struggle under leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Subhas Chandra Bose. It formed the first government of independent India in 1947 and dominated national politics until 1977. It returned to power multiple times, most recently leading the United Progressive Alliance from 2004 to 2014 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Political positions
The party advocates secularism, welfare-oriented economics, social justice through reservations, MGNREGA-style rights-based welfare, and a federal vision of India. It opposes what it calls majoritarian politics and seeks greater autonomy for states and institutions.
Notable leaders
- • Mallikarjun Kharge
- • Rahul Gandhi
- • Sonia Gandhi
- • Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- • K. C. Venugopal
- • Siddaramaiah
- • Revanth Reddy
Notable controversies & cases
- 012G spectrum allocation and Coalgate allegations during UPA-II (later many accused were acquitted but the political damage was severe).
- 02Commonwealth Games 2010 corruption allegations.
- 03Long-running debate over dynastic leadership within the party.
- 041984 anti-Sikh riots — Congress leaders were accused of involvement; the party has formally apologised.
Sources & references
Content on this page is compiled from publicly available sources for civic awareness. If you believe anything here is inaccurate, please contact us and we will review.