1907 Surat Session: The Division of Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress (INC), formed in 1885, initially aimed to create a platform for civil and political dialogue between educated Indians and the British Raj. However, over time, differing ideologies emerged within the party regarding the methods and goals of the freedom struggle. This led to a significant split in 1907.

Understanding the Moderate and Extremist Factions

By the turn of the 20th century, two distinct groups emerged within the INC:

• Moderates: Led by figures like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Surendranath Banerjee. They believed in gradual progress through constitutional means, petitions, and appeals to the British government. Their focus was on self-governance within the British Empire.
• Extremists (or Nationalists): Led by figures such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal (collectively known as the Lal-Bal-Pal trio). They advocated for more assertive methods, including passive resistance, boycotts, and demanding full independence (Swaraj). They felt the Moderates' approach was too slow and ineffective.

The Role of Key Events Leading to the Split

Several factors contributed to the growing rift:

• Partition of Bengal (1905): Lord Curzon's decision to partition Bengal sparked widespread protests and intensified the Swadeshi and Boycott movements. The Extremists saw these methods as effective, while the Moderates were more cautious. This event significantly boosted the Extremist faction's influence and demands.
• Demand for Leadership: The Extremists wanted one of their own leaders, notably Lala Lajpat Rai or Bal Gangadhar Tilak, to preside over the INC session in 1907. However, the Moderates favoured Dr. Rashbihari Ghosh.
• Ideological Differences: Disagreements persisted over the pace of achieving Swaraj and the methods to be employed. The Extremists pushed for immediate adoption of Swaraj as the ultimate goal, while the Moderates were hesitant.

The 1907 Surat Session

The Surat Session of the Indian National Congress, held in 1907, became the focal point where these internal conflicts culminated in an open split.

• The main agenda included discussions on the INC presidency and the direction of the Swadeshi and Boycott movements.
• Heated arguments broke out between the Moderates and Extremists.
• The disagreement over the presidency candidate and the proposed resolutions led to unprecedented scenes of disorder.
• Ultimately, the session ended with the formal expulsion of the Extremist leaders from the party and the division of the INC into two separate factions: the Moderates and the Extremists.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• Arrival of Simon Commission (1927): This event occurred 20 years after the split and was related to constitutional reforms in India. It had no role in the 1907 division.
• Formation of Muslim League (1906): While a significant event in Indian politics occurring shortly before the split, the formation of the Muslim League addressed the political interests of Muslims and was separate from the internal ideological conflict within the INC that led to the Moderate-Extremist divide.

Therefore, the Surat Session in 1907 was the direct event that led to the division of the Indian National Congress.