INC vs. Muslim League

Attribute	INC	Muslim League
Formation Year	1885	1906
Founder	Allan Octavian Hume	Agakhan III, Nawab Salimullah
Main Objective	Advocating for Indian independence	Advocating for Muslim rights and interests
Membership	Open to all Indians	Primarily for Muslims
Leadership	Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru	Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan

History

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 with the aim of obtaining a greater share in government for educated Indians. It initially focused on seeking a greater role for Indians in the British government. On the other hand, the All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 in Dhaka with the aim of safeguarding the political rights of Muslims in India. The Muslim League initially sought to protect Muslim interests within the British Raj.

Leadership

INC has been led by prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi. These leaders played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence and shaping the country's political landscape. In contrast, the Muslim League was led by leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who played a key role in the creation of Pakistan. The leadership of both parties had a significant impact on the course of Indian history.

Ideology

INC has traditionally been a secular and inclusive party, advocating for the rights of all Indians regardless of religion or caste. It has promoted the idea of a united and diverse India. On the other hand, the Muslim League initially focused on protecting the interests of Muslims in India and later played a key role in the creation of Pakistan as a separate Muslim-majority nation. The ideology of the Muslim League was centered around the idea of a separate Muslim homeland.

Support Base

INC has historically enjoyed broad support from various sections of Indian society, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and other religious and ethnic groups. It has been able to mobilize a diverse range of supporters in its political campaigns. In contrast, the Muslim League primarily drew its support from the Muslim community in India. It was seen as the political voice of Indian Muslims and advocated for their interests within the British Raj.

Role in Independence Movement

INC played a central role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It organized mass movements, protests, and civil disobedience campaigns to pressure the British government to grant independence to India. The party's leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, were instrumental in shaping the independence movement. On the other hand, the Muslim League's demand for a separate Muslim homeland eventually led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947. The party's efforts to protect Muslim interests played a significant role in the partition of India.

Post-Independence Politics

After independence, INC emerged as the dominant political party in India and played a key role in shaping the country's political landscape. It has been in power for most of India's post-independence history and has implemented various social and economic reforms. In contrast, the Muslim League faced challenges in post-independence India, especially after the creation of Pakistan. The party struggled to maintain its relevance in Indian politics and has not been as influential as INC.

Current Status

Today, the INC continues to be one of the major political parties in India, with a presence in both national and state politics. It has faced challenges in recent years, including electoral defeats and internal divisions, but remains a significant force in Indian politics. On the other hand, the Muslim League has a limited presence in Indian politics, primarily in the state of Kerala. The party has struggled to expand its base beyond its traditional support among Indian Muslims.