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Congress Centenary Belagavi Session and Constitutional Values

Source:Indian Express ↗

Why It Matters

This event bridges Modern Indian History and Indian Polity. The 1924 Belagavi session is a recurring historical fact for Prelims, being the sole INC session chaired by Mahatma Gandhi. Furthermore, the focus on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution brings attention to themes of constitutional morality, democratic institutions, and the role of political opposition, which are highly relevant for GS Paper 2 Mains.

Summary

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) convened in Belagavi, Karnataka, to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Congress session, which was notably the only session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. During the meet, the party resolved to initiate national movements celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, framing itself as the defender of India's democratic and constitutional fabric. Additionally, the CWC took strategic decisions aimed at comprehensive organizational restructuring to strengthen the party's grassroots presence.

Key Points

  • The Congress Working Committee (CWC) held a pivotal meeting in Belagavi, Karnataka, commemorating the centenary of the historic 1924 Indian National Congress session.
  • The 1924 Belagavi session holds immense historical significance as it was the only Congress session ever presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • The CWC passed resolutions to launch new 'national movements' to mark the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the need to protect constitutional values and democracy.
  • The party also took key decisions regarding internal organizational restructuring and strengthening to prepare for future electoral battles and grassroots mobilization.

Important Terms

Belagavi Session (1924)

The 39th Indian National Congress session and the only one presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. It focused on social reforms like untouchability, khadi, and Hindu-Muslim unity.

UPSC context

GS Paper I (Modern Indian History); tests knowledge of landmark INC sessions and Gandhian leadership.

Source
Congress Working Committee (CWC)

The highest executive authority of the Indian National Congress (INC), responsible for policy decisions and organizational management. Formed in 1920, it directs the party's national activities.

UPSC context

GS Paper II (Polity); understanding the structure and decision-making processes of major political parties.

Source
Constitution of India

The supreme law of India, adopted on November 26, 1949. The nation is currently observing year-long celebrations (2024–2025) marking the 75th anniversary of its adoption.

UPSC context

GS Paper II (Indian Constitution); critical for questions on constitutional values, history, and current anniversaries.

Source
Indian National Congress (INC)

Founded in 1885, it was the first modern nationalist movement in India. It led the freedom struggle and dominated post-independence politics for several decades.

UPSC context

GS Paper I (History) and Paper II (Polity); essential for understanding India’s independence movement and party system.

Source
Swarajist-Gandhi Pact

A 1924 agreement ratified at the Belagavi session that unified the Congress by allowing 'Swarajists' to participate in elections while 'No-changers' focused on Gandhi’s constructive programs.

UPSC context

GS Paper I (Modern History); tests ability to analyze intra-party dynamics and strategic compromises during the independence movement.

Source

Prelims Trap

The Swaraj Party was expelled from the Indian National Congress during the 1924 Belagavi session.

The Belagavi session actually ratified the Gandhi-Das pact, allowing Swarajists to work within legislative councils as an integral part of the Congress, preventing a Surat-like split.

Static Concepts Connected

Modern Indian History

What were the key outcomes of the 1924 Belagavi Congress Session?

  • Only Gandhi Presidency: It remains the sole Indian National Congress session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi during his lifetime.
  • Gandhi-Das Pact: It ratified the agreement allowing the Swaraj Party to contest elections and function within legislative councils on behalf of the Congress.
  • Constructive Programme: Made spinning yarn a membership requirement and emphasized untouchability removal, Khadi promotion, and Hindu-Muslim unity.
Indian Polity

What is the doctrine of Constitutional Morality?

  • Core Principle: Adherence to the core values of the Constitution (liberty, equality, rule of law) rather than bowing to popular or majoritarian societal morality.
  • Ambedkar's View: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar famously noted that it is not a natural sentiment but must be cultivated among citizens and administrators.
  • Judicial Application: The Supreme Court has increasingly invoked it in landmark judgments (e.g., Sabarimala, Navtej Singh Johar) to protect fundamental individual rights.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Swarajists vs. No-Changers reconciliation

    The 1924 session marks the reconciliation of the Gaya split (1922), bridging the gap between the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience mass movements in the nationalist struggle.

  • Centenary milestones in Prelims

    UPSC frequently tests modern history events hitting their 100-year mark. The 1924 Belagavi session is a prime target for chronological or statement-based questions in 2025/2026.

  • Basic Structure & 75th Anniversary

    The 75th anniversary of constitutional adoption pairs with ongoing debates on democracy, making the Basic Structure doctrine and Constitutional Morality highly probable for GS2 Mains.

Expect a multi-statement Prelims question on the 1924 Belagavi session linking Gandhi's sole presidency to the Gandhi-Das pact.

Linked PYQs · 4

Linked PYQs · 4

  • 2025MainsGS2

    "Constitutional morality is the fulcrum which acts as an essential check upon the high functionaries and citizens alike...." In view of the above observation of the Supreme Court, explain the concept of constitutional morality and its application to ensure balance between judicial independence and judicial accountability in India.

  • 2023MainsGS2

    “The Constitution of India is a living instrument with capabilities of enormous dynamism. It is a constitution made for a progressive society.” Illustrate with special reference to the expanding horizons of the right to life and personal liberty.

  • 2021MainsGS2

    ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.

  • 2018MainsGS1

    Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.