Consider the following statements regarding the organizational restructuring and key resolutions of the Indian National Congress (INC) during the Non-Cooperation Movement phase (1920–1922):
1. The Nagpur Session of December 1920 reduced the annual Congress membership fee to four annas to transform the organization into a mass-based political party.
2. The Ahmedabad Session of December 1921 appointed Mahatma Gandhi as the sole executive authority of the Congress with full powers to initiate mass civil disobedience.
3. The Special Session of the INC held at Calcutta in September 1920, which approved the non-cooperation program, was presided over by Motilal Nehru.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer
Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect. The Nagpur Session of December 1920 democratized the INC structure by lowering the annual subscription fee to 4 annas (25 paise) and forming linguistic Provincial Congress Committees. The Ahmedabad Session of December 1921 appointed Mahatma Gandhi with sole authority to lead civil disobedience. However, the Calcutta Special Session in September 1920 was presided over by Lala Lajpat Rai, not Motilal Nehru.
The correct response identifies statements 1 and 2 as historically valid. At the Nagpur Session in December 1920, the Congress Constitution was altered under Gandhi's direction to democratize membership by reducing fees to 4 annas per year and forming a 15-member Congress Working Committee (CWC). The December 1921 Ahmedabad Session formally authorized Gandhi with executive command over the movement. Statement 3 is false because the September 1920 Calcutta Special Session was headed by Lala Lajpat Rai.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
INC Session Resolutions and Organizational Changes during the Non-Cooperation Movement
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