Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid homage to Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, co-founder, and the first President of the Indian National Congress (INC), on his birth anniversary.In a tweet on the micro-blogging platform X, Kharge expressed deep respect for Bonnerjees pivotal role in shaping the Congress movement.Tributes to a Founding LuminaryKharges message commemorated Womesh Chandra Bonnerjees contributions to the Congress movement. He highlighted Bonnerjees significant role in presiding over the inaugural Congress session in Bombay in 1885.The tweet acknowledged Bonnerjees staunch opposition to the salt tax and his advocacy for the Swadeshi movement. Additionally, Bonnerjees proposal for forming standing committees of the Congress in each province was noted as a key initiative.Our respectful tributes to one of the founding members and the first President of Indian National Congress, Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee, on his birth anniversary.He presided over the first session of the Congress held at Bombay in 1885 and staunchly opposed the salt tax, while… pic.twitter.com/Q1jWOW3XDg— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 29, 2023Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee: A Biographical SketchWomesh Chandra Bonnerjee, born on December 29, 1844, in Calcutta, played a multifaceted role in the legal and political arenas. After completing his schooling at Oriental Seminary and Hindu School, he embarked on a legal career. His journey included studying law in England, becoming the first Indian Standing Counsel in 1882, and successfully defending figures like Surendranath Banerjee.Bonnerjees presidency of the INC extended beyond the historic first session in 1885, and he assumed leadership again in 1892 in Allahabad. A brief stint in England saw him contesting elections to the House of Commons, marking him as the first Indian to vie for a seat in the British Parliament.He breathed his last in Calcutta in 1906 at the age of 61, leaving an indelible mark on Indias legal and political landscape.Kharges homage reflects the Congresss acknowledgment of the luminaries who laid the foundation for the partys legacy.
