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Question

During the freedom struggle, who was the only President of the Indian National Congress who resigned from the presidency even after being elected?

The correct answer is

Subhash Chandra Bose

Understanding the Indian National Congress Presidency and Resignations

The question asks about a unique event during India's freedom struggle: when an elected President of the Indian National Congress (INC) resigned from the post. This is a specific historical event linked to internal dynamics within the Congress party.

Let's examine the options and the historical context:

  • JB Kripalini: Acharya JB Kripalini was the President of the Indian National Congress at the time of India's independence in 1947. He did not resign immediately after being elected in a controversial manner that fits the description.
  • Nellie Sengupta: Nellie Sengupta was elected President of the Indian National Congress in 1933 for a specific session held in Calcutta (now Kolkata) after the previous President was arrested. Her tenure was for that specific period, and the context of resignation after election as described in the question doesn't apply to her.
  • Subhash Chandra Bose: Subhash Chandra Bose was elected President of the Indian National Congress for the Haripura Session in 1938. He was re-elected for the Tripuri Session in 1939, defeating Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya, who was supported by Mahatma Gandhi. However, due to ideological differences and conflicts with the old guard of the Congress, particularly concerning the formation of the working committee, Subhash Chandra Bose resigned from the presidency in April 1939. He subsequently formed the Forward Bloc. This scenario perfectly matches the condition described in the question – being elected and then resigning from the presidency.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru: Jawaharlal Nehru served multiple terms as President of the Indian National Congress both before and after independence. While he faced various challenges during his presidency, the historical accounts do not mention him resigning immediately after being elected under the specific circumstances mentioned in the question.

Based on historical records of the Indian freedom struggle, the only Indian National Congress President who resigned from the presidency shortly after being re-elected was Subhash Chandra Bose during the Tripuri Session in 1939.

Detailed Analysis of the Tripuri Session Incident

The Tripuri Session of the Indian National Congress in 1939 was a pivotal moment. Subhash Chandra Bose, representing a more radical approach to achieving independence, decided to seek re-election, which was unusual at the time as Presidents often served for one term.

  • He contested against Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya and won the election.
  • Mahatma Gandhi viewed Bose's victory as his own defeat.
  • Differences arose regarding the formation of the Congress Working Committee. Gandhi and his supporters were unwilling to cooperate fully with Bose's proposed committee structure.
  • Feeling constrained and unable to lead effectively with the existing differences, Subhash Chandra Bose resigned from the presidency in April 1939.

This resignation was a significant event, highlighting the ideological divide within the Congress leadership during the freedom struggle.

Indian National Congress Presidents (Selected)
President Year(s) of Presidency Notes
Subhash Chandra Bose 1938, 1939 (resigned) Resigned after being re-elected in 1939.
JB Kripalini 1947 INC President at Independence.
Nellie Sengupta 1933 Presided over the Calcutta Session.
Jawaharlal Nehru Multiple terms (e.g., 1929, 1936, 1937, 1946) Significant leader, served multiple times.

Therefore, Subhash Chandra Bose is the individual who fits the description in the question.

Revision Table: Key Facts about INC President Resignation

Aspect Detail
Individual Subhash Chandra Bose
Event Resignation from Indian National Congress Presidency
Year 1939
INC Session Tripuri Session (where he was re-elected)
Reason Differences with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee formation.
Aftermath Formation of the Forward Bloc.

Additional Information: The Forward Bloc and Bose's Path

After resigning from the Indian National Congress presidency, Subhash Chandra Bose founded the Forward Bloc in May 1939. This party was intended to be a left-wing faction within the Congress but eventually functioned as an independent entity. Bose's path diverged significantly from the mainstream Congress thereafter. He sought alternative means to achieve India's independence, including aligning with Axis powers during World War II, which led to his eventual departure from India in 1941. His actions and legacy remain a subject of historical debate and study.

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Important Questions from Modern India (National Movement )

  1. Which one is the correct chronological order of the following events?

    I. Quit India Movement

    II. Shimla Conference

    III. Poona Pact

    IV. Cabinet Mission

  2. The policy of annexation is extensively applied if the kingdom doesn't have a natural heir and if the British disapproved of the adopted heir. From the given options, select the policy discussed here:

  3. Who brought the strife between Swarajists and no changers to an end on November 6, 1924?

  4. Match the following (Leaders of Chhattisgarh imprisoned during Quit India Movement of 1942 and places)

    List - I

    (Leaders)

    List  - II

    (Places)

    A. Tretanath Tiwari1. Malkapur
    B. Raghunandan Pd. Singhrol2. Raipur
    C. Amar Singh Sahgal3. Bilaspur
    D. Pt. Ravishankar Shukla4. Durg
  5. Which of the following personalities of this state was pioneer in the field of emancipation of untouchables ?

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