INC • Indian National Congress

About

The Indian National Congress (INC), commonly known as the Congress party, is one of India's oldest political parties, founded on 28 December 1885. It began as a political platform seeking greater representation for Indians under British rule and later became a leading force in the Indian independence movement under the leadership of figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. After independence in 1947, the Congress played a major role in shaping India's political institutions, economic policies, and democratic development. The party has historically advocated parliamentary democracy, social reform, economic development, and national unity. Its political agenda today includes social welfare, inclusive growth, constitutional rights, employment, education, healthcare, and protection of India's pluralistic traditions.

Ideology

The Indian National Congress describes its guiding principles as democracy, secularism, socialism, social justice, and equality of opportunity. Its political tradition emphasizes constitutional governance, religious and cultural pluralism, civil liberties, and an inclusive vision of Indian nationalism. The party has also drawn on social-democratic ideas, supporting welfare measures and public action to reduce economic and social inequalities. Often described by political analysts as a broad-tent or centrist party, the Congress has accommodated a range of ideological viewpoints throughout its history.