Which of the following best explains the Indian National Congress's stance on communal politics during the Moderate phase?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Maintained a secular approach in its programmes and demands

Explanation:
• During its Moderate phase (1885-1905), the Indian National Congress (INC) strictly adhered to a secular and inclusive approach.
• Early leaders consciously kept religious and social reform issues off the official Congress platform to ensure that the organization represented the economic and political interests of *all* Indians, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.

Information Booster:
• Prominent Moderates: Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Badruddin Tyabji focused heavily on constitutional reforms, Indianization of civil services, and critique of British economic drain.
• Early Presidents: The secular nature is evident from its early presidents: W.C. Bonnerjee (Christian), Dadabhai Naoroji (Parsi), Badruddin Tyabji (Muslim), and George Yule (British).

Additional Knowledge:
• Religious Demands (Option A): The Moderates actively avoided demands based on religious identity, seeking universal civil rights instead.
• Alignment / Limitation (Options C & D): The INC did not limit membership; it was designed as a pan-Indian, secular umbrella organization to forge a unified national identity.