History

Congress Sessions II

2nd Session CALCUTTA 1886

Comprehensive resolutions were passed at a well-attended Congress consisting of 406 delegates and many visitors. Dadabhai Naoroji in his presidential address said, ‘National Congress must confine itself to questions in which entire nation has a direct participation and it must leave the adjustment of social reform and other class questions to class congresses.’

A Committee headed by Dadabhai Naoroji laid an eight-point statement, which was approved and adopted by the Congress. The poverty-ridden situation of the country was dwelled upon and introduction of representative institutions was considered to be the only means to remedy the situation. Separation of executive from judicial functions was a major demand put forth. It was demanded that the system of trial by jury be extended to all over India. Also decided that Congress committees were to be organised at all major centres. A Public Services Commission was appointed to report to the Congress.

The President
DADABHAI NAOROJI
(1825-1917)

Regarded as the ‘The Grand Old Man of India’. Born to a Parsi family in Bombay. He was one of the most brilliant students of Elphinstone College of which he became Professor of Math and Philosophy in 1845. Joined the firm of Cama and Co. in 1855. Founded East India Association in England with sole aim of putting forth the ‘Indian point of view.’ Professor of Gujarati in University College, London. Appointed Dewan of Baroda, 1874. In 1885 nominated to Bombay Legislative Council. He unsuccessfully contested for Parliament twice from Holborn seat before winning from Central Finsbury in 1892. Published his classic book, ‘Poverty and the Un-British Rule in India’ in 1901. Elected President of the Congress thrice in 1886, 1893 and 1906. In 1947, Chintamani wrote, ‘He stressed again and again the manifold evils of political subjugation (for 61 years). For years he was the most moderate among public speakers but in the later part of his career continued disappointments drove him inspite of himself to employ language marked by great and increasing bitterness.’

3rd Session MADRAS 1887

First session of the Congress to be held in a specially erected Pandal. In his presidential address Badruddin Tyabji dwelled upon the representative character of the Congress. He failed to understand why Muslims should not work shoulder to shoulder with their fellow countrymen for the common benefit of all. A committee was formed to consider rules to be framed in regard to the constitution and working of the Congress. A subjects committee was also appointed. Resolutions put forth and adopted included expansion of Legislative Councils, military service, separation of executive from judicial function, taxable minimum of Income Tax to be raised to Rs. 1,000 and the incurring deficit be fulfilled by reimposition of import duty on finer classes of cotton goods. Demand was raised that the Government elaborate a scheme for technical education. Also demanded that the Arms Act, which doubted the loyalty of the people, be suitably modified.

The President
BADRUDDIN TYABJI
(1844-1909)

Born in Bombay on October 8, 1844. Matriculated in London and later joined the Middle Temple. Called to the bar in 1867. Secretary and later President Anjuman-I-Islam. President Bombay Presidency Association and nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1882. Appointed Judge of the Bombay High Court, 1895. He presided over the important Mohammedan Education Conference, Bombay 1903. Throughout his life he championed the cause of women-education and their rights. Pleaded for abolition of purdah. The first Muslim standard-bearer of the Congress, he rendered a phenomenal service to its great cause.

4th Session ALLAHABAD 1888

The first session to be held in an atmosphere of opposition. A pamphlet condemned the obstructions put in the path of the Reception committee in getting a site. The session was strongly opposed by Raja Shiv Prasad of Benares, Sir Auckland Covin and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Sheikh Raza Hussain produced a Fatwa from religious leaders supporting the Congress. Responding immediately to the Reception Committee’s problems, the Maharaja of Dharbhanga purchased the Lowther Castle and placed it at the disposal of the Reception Committee. The number of delegates doubled to 1248. In his presidential address George Yule said, ‘We desire no sudden snapping of existing ties. We ask only loosening of the bonds.’ Resolutions passed at previous sessions were reiterated. The existing system of Police administration was declared to be highly oppressive and a demand was raised for the setting up of a Commission of Enquiry into it. The marked increase in consumption of intoxicants was condemned and the government was requested to discourage insobriety. A mixed commission to enquire into industrial condition of the country was also demanded. The Provincial Congress Committees were asked to report on the Permanent Land Revenue Settlement.

The President
GEORGE YULE
(1829-1892)

He was the first non-academician to be made the President of the Congress. Wealthy and prominent merchant of Calcutta. When in 1890 the government returned the invitation to the Congress session, he wrote, ‘Dogberry clothed in a little brief authority.’ Was instrumental in strengthening of the British Committee of the Indian National Congress. His services were highly appreciated by the sessions of 1890 and 1891.

- Ashish Talwar