Question

Which session of the congress led to the divide between extremists and moderates in 1907?
1. Calcutta
2. Surat
3. Madras
4. Bombay

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Surat

The correct answer is Surat.

• The Surat split was a major setback for the Indian National Congress. In fact, the distinction between moderates and extremists provided an opportunity for the British.
  • Moderates and extremists settled their differences for a year, but in 1907 the two groups split permanently.
  • The Moderates were quite reluctant to pass the resolution demanding Swaraj. The Arya-Samaj concept of Swaraj and Swadeshi was the hallmark of the program of the extremists.

• At the Surat session of the INC, the extremists wanted Lala Lajpat Rai to be the presidential candidate, while the moderates were in support of Ras Behari Ghosh.
• Surat was a victory for the British policy of divide, divide and rule, and not long after, the British believed they were in control of the affairs of the moderates over the Congress.
• The extremists were to be repressed, although mildly in the first phase, with the aim being to intimidate the moderates.​