Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Indian National Congress (INC)?
a) The INC was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume.
b) The first session of the INC was held in Pune under the presidency of WC Bonnerjee.

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) Only a.

Explanation:

• Statement a: Correct. The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume. He played a key role in its formation, which aimed to provide a platform for Indians to voice their concerns to the British government.
• Statement b: Incorrect. The first session of the INC was held in Mumbai (Bombay) in 1885, not Pune. The session was presided over by Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee. This session marked the formation of the Indian National Congress.

Information Booster:

• The first INC session drew 72 delegates from all over India. There were 54 Hindus, 2 Muslims, and the remaining members were Jains and Parsees.
• The Viceroy at the time was Lord Dufferin.

Additional Information:

• 1885 Mumbai Session: The main outcome was the formation of the Indian National Congress. The session set the stage for future political developments and the beginning of organized political activity in India.
• First Muslim President: In the 1887 session, Badruddin Tyabji became the first Muslim president of the INC.
• Other Key Sessions:
• 1906 Calcutta Session: Dadabhai Naoroji was the president, and the goal of Swaraj (self-rule) was adopted.
• 1929 Lahore Session: Jawaharlal Nehru became president and the Purna Swaraj (total independence) resolution was passed.
• 1931 Karachi Session: Vallabhbhai Patel became the president, and resolutions were passed on fundamental rights and socio-economic principles.