What were the Two Basic Reasons responsible for the Surat Split in 1907 Between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists?

Reasons for the Surat Split in 1907

The difference of opinions between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists led to the Surat Split of 1907. Early Nationalists believed that minor disagreements should be resolved through discussion, whereas Assertive Nationalists disagreed. This split was a major setback for the Indian National Congress.

• The Early Nationalists believed in peacefully resolving minor issues with the government, whereas the Assertive Nationalists believed the opposite and preferred protests and agitations.
• The Swadeshi Boycott movement was limited to Bengal by the Early Nationalists, but the Assertive Nationalists wanted it to spread throughout the country.
• During the Surat Session of 1907, the Early Nationalists advocated for Rash Behari Ghosh to be the President of the Indian Congress, whereas the Assertive Nationalists preferred Lala Lajpat Rai or Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• This contributed significantly to the Surat Split of 1907.

It happened when an INC meeting was shifted from Nagpur to Surat and Surat being in the home province of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, made him ineligible to preside over the meeting. The only reason why the Assertive Nationalists or the Extremists as they were called, were enraged was that Tilak was not even given a chance to speak in the meeting. This led to a violent situation and eventually led to the major Surat Split.

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