Who among the following was the first political leader in India to openly put forward, in his newspaper Bande Mataram, the idea of complete independence for the country?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Sri Aurobindo
Explanation:
• Sri Aurobindo was the first prominent nationalist leader to clearly and boldly articulate the demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj).
• He expressed this demand through powerful political writings in his newspaper Bande Mataram, published from Calcutta.
• His ideology represented the earliest phase of extremist nationalism, inspiring revolutionary groups across India.
• Aurobindo endorsed self-reliance, resistance against colonial authority, and national awakening.
Information Booster:
• Bande Mataram became one of the most influential nationalist newspapers during the Swadeshi Movement.
• Sri Aurobindo also played a key role in shaping nationalist thought through works like Bhavani Mandir and speeches advocating national resurgence.
Additional Knowledge:
Swami Vivekananda (Option a)
. Inspired nationalism spiritually but never made a political call for complete independence.
Rabindranath Tagore (Option c)
. Promoted universalism and cultural nationalism; opposed extremism; did not advocate early Purna Swaraj.
Mahatma Gandhi (Option d)
. Later led mass movements for independence, but the first explicit call for complete independence predates him.