Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?

The correct answer is Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.

Key Points

• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was the first President of the Indian National Congress (INC), presiding over its inaugural session in 1885.
• The first session of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from 28–31 December 1885.
• This historic session was attended by 72 delegates, marking the beginning of the Indian National Congress as a political platform.
• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was a prominent lawyer and statesman, deeply involved in the Indian freedom struggle.
• The INC was founded by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, with the aim of providing a platform for civil and political dialogue among Indians.

Additional Information

• Indian National Congress (INC):
  • Founded on 28 December 1885, the INC was one of the most significant political organizations in India's struggle for independence.
  • The founders included A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha.
  • The INC initially aimed at creating a dialogue with the British government for reforms but later evolved into a mass movement for complete independence.
• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee:
  • He was the first Indian to act as an Advocate-General of Bengal and the first Indian to contest elections for the British Parliament.
  • Bonnerjee played a pivotal role in the early years of the INC, helping shape its policies and direction.
• Key Goals of Early INC:
  • The early INC worked towards greater representation of Indians in administrative roles, reduction of military expenditure, and promotion of Indian industries.
  • It sought constitutional reforms and civil rights for Indians under British rule.
• Legacy of INC:
  • The INC played a central role in India's independence movement, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel emerging from its ranks.
  • It continues to be a major political party in India post-independence.