In which session of Congress was the demand of 'Purna Swaraj' formally accepted ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The demand for 'Purna Swaraj' or complete independence was formally accepted by the Indian National Congress during its Lahore session in 1929. This decision marked a significant shift in the Indian freedom struggle, as the Congress moved from seeking dominion status to demanding full independence from British rule. Here is a detailed explanation supporting why Option 2 is correct and why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Lahore, 1929 (Correct Answer - Option 2):**
   - The Lahore session of the Indian National Congress took place in December 1929 under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru. It was during this session that the resolution for 'Purna Swaraj' was passed. The Congress declared that 26th January 1930 would be celebrated as Independence Day, marking the commitment to complete independence. This session is historically significant as it set the stage for the Civil Disobedience Movement and intensified the struggle for freedom.

2. **Calcutta, 1929 (Option 1):**
   - The Calcutta session of 1928, not 1929, was significant for the Congress's discussions on dominion status versus complete independence. However, it was not until the Lahore session in December 1929 that the demand for 'Purna Swaraj' was officially adopted. Therefore, Calcutta, 1929, is incorrect as it did not formalize the demand for complete independence.

3. **Lahore, 1930 (Option 3):**
   - By 1930, the Lahore session had already taken place in December 1929, where the 'Purna Swaraj' resolution was adopted. The year 1930 is significant for the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement, following the declaration of independence. Thus, Lahore, 1930, is incorrect as the formal acceptance occurred in the previous year.

4. **Karachi, 1930 (Option 4):**
   - The Karachi session of 1931, not 1930, is known for adopting the resolution on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Program. It followed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and focused on socio-economic issues rather than the initial demand for 'Purna Swaraj'. Therefore, Karachi, 1930, is incorrect as it did not pertain to the formal acceptance of complete independence.

In conclusion, the Lahore session of 1929 is the correct answer as it was the pivotal moment when the Indian National Congress officially adopted the demand for 'Purna Swaraj', setting a clear goal for the Indian independence movement.