Lahore Congress and the Declaration of Purna Swaraj

Nehru's Nomination as Congress President

The Lahore Congress of 1929 was pivotal in the Indian independence movement. Key events include Jawaharlal Nehru's nomination as Congress President, the boycott of the Round Table Conference, the declaration of Purna Swaraj (complete independence), and the first celebration of Independence Day on January 26, 1930. Notably, Nehru hoisted the tricolor flag on December 31, 1929, symbolizing the new era of struggle for freedom.

• Presidential Nomination: Jawaharlal Nehru was nominated as the president for the Lahore session of the Congress, largely due to Gandhi's support despite opposition from 15 out of 18 Provincial Congress Committees.
• Reasons for Nehru's Selection:
  • The occasion marked Congress's acceptance of complete independence as its goal.
  • To acknowledge the surge of youth that had driven the anti-Simon campaign to success.
• Nehru's Address: Nehru declared an "open conspiracy" to free India from foreign rule, inviting all citizens to join the struggle. He also expressed his socialist and republican beliefs, opposing both monarchy and industrial capitalism.

Major Decisions at the Lahore Congress

• Boycott of Round Table Conference: The Congress decided to boycott the Round Table Conference.
• Purna Swaraj Declared: Complete independence (Purna Swaraj) was declared as the goal of the Congress.
• Civil Disobedience Programme: The Congress Working Committee was authorized to launch a civil disobedience programme, including non-payment of taxes, and all members of legislatures were asked to resign.
• Independence Day: January 26, 1930, was fixed as the first Independence Day (Swarajya Day), to be celebrated across the country.

Flag Hoisting on December 31, 1929

• Event: At midnight on December 31, 1929, on the banks of the River Ravi, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the newly adopted tricolour flag of freedom, amidst slogans of "Inquilab Zindabad."