Correct option is B
The first President of the Indian National Congress (INC) was Womesh Chunder Bannerjee (commonly known as W. C. Bannerjee). He presided over the first session of the Indian National Congress held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885. This session marked the formal establishment of the INC, which became a pivotal organization in India's freedom struggle. W. C. Bannerjee, a distinguished lawyer, played a crucial role in laying the foundation of the INC, which aimed to provide a platform for Indians to discuss their political, social, and economic concerns under British rule. His presidency in the first session set the tone for future deliberations and the gradual evolution of the INC as a leading force in the Indian independence movement.
Information Booster
· First INC Session: Held in Bombay in December 1885 and attended by 72 delegates.
· Objective: To create a platform for discussing Indian issues under British rule and seeking reforms.
· Role of W. C. Bannerjee: His leadership during the first session helped establish the INC as a legitimate and organized body.
· Notable Figures Present: A. O. Hume (founder), Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha, among others.
· Significance: Marked the beginning of the organized political movement in India.
Additional Knowledge
Dadabhai Naoroji
· Known as the "Grand Old Man of India," Dadabhai Naoroji was the second President of the INC in 1886.
· He was instrumental in promoting self-rule and economic reforms.
W. C. Bannerjee
· First President of the Indian National Congress and a key figure in the formation of the organization.
· A barrister by profession, his leadership during the first session laid the groundwork for subsequent INC activities.
Badruddin Tyabji
· He was the third President of the INC in 1887, after Dadabhai Naoroji.
· He was the first Muslim to preside over the INC, promoting inclusivity in the organization.