Indian National Congress (INC)
Last Updated: December 2025
Source: Pintrest
W. C. Bonnerjee, and others.
national level, leads the INDIA alliance, and
governs several states/union territories).
Career and Life
The Indian National Congress is one of the world's oldest and largest democratic political parties. It was initially formed to create a platform for educated Indians to voice grievances against British rule. Under the leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, it transformed into the principal leader of the Indian independence movement (Swaraj), eventually leading India to independence in 1947. Post-independence, the INC dominated Indian politics for several decades, defining the country's early character based on Secularism, Democracy, and Socialist economic policies. Today, the party campaigns on a platform centered on inclusive growth, social justice (emphasized recently through calls for wealth redistribution and caste census), and defending the constitutional principles of secularism and pluralism.
Major Works / Key Positions
- Led the Independence Movement (1920–1947): Transformed into a mass movement under Mahatma Gandhi, culminating in India's freedom.
- The Ruling Party (1947 – c. 1989): Formed the government for most of India's post-independence history, setting up key democratic and institutional foundations.
- Longest-Serving Leaders: Produced India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and subsequent key Prime Ministers including Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Manmohan Singh.
- Current Opposition Leader: Its prominent leader, Rahul Gandhi, serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- National Alliance (INDIA): Leads the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), a coalition of opposition parties at the national level.