Who was the President of Gaya Session of the Indian National Congress held in 1922?

The correct answer is Chittaranjan Das.

Key Points

• The Gaya Session of the Indian National Congress in 1922 was presided over by Chittaranjan Das, also known as Deshbandhu.
• This session marked significant ideological differences within the Congress, particularly between moderates and radicals.
• Chittaranjan Das was a prominent leader of the Swaraj Party, which he co-founded with Motilal Nehru after the Gaya session.
• The Gaya session took place after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Mahatma Gandhi following the Chauri Chaura incident.
• Chittaranjan Das emphasized the need for council entry to contest British policies, leading to a split in Congress over the issue.

Additional Information

• Chittaranjan Das:
  • Known as "Deshbandhu," meaning "Friend of the Nation," he was a prominent lawyer and nationalist leader.
  • He played a key role in the early stages of the Indian freedom movement and was a strong advocate for Swaraj (self-rule).
• Swaraj Party:
  • Founded by Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru in 1923, it aimed to contest elections to oppose British policies from within legislative councils.
  • The party marked a shift in strategy for some Congress leaders after the Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn.
• Non-Cooperation Movement:
  • Launched in 1920 under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, it aimed to resist British rule through non-violent means such as boycotts of British goods and institutions.
  • The movement was suspended in 1922 following the violent Chauri Chaura incident, where a mob killed police officers.
• Chauri Chaura Incident:
  • Occurred on February 4, 1922, in Uttar Pradesh, where protesters clashed with the police, leading to the burning of a police station and the death of 22 policemen.
  • This incident led Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement, citing the need to adhere to non-violence.