To secure the right to discuss the budget and ask questions to the executive.
Explanation
The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, initially pursued a moderate political agenda focused on constitutional reforms within the British framework. A central tenet of their early demands was the expansion of Legislative Councils to include elected Indian representatives, based on the principle that there should be "no taxation without representation."
Option Analysis:
- To secure the right to discuss the budget and ask questions to the executive. is Correct: The primary objective of demanding elected representatives was to ensure administrative and financial accountability. The INC sought the power for these representatives to discuss the budget and ask questions to the executive regarding administration. These demands were instrumental in the enactment of the Indian Councils Act, 1892, which subsequently granted the legislative councils the right to discuss the budget and ask questions, though with certain limitations.
- To demand immediate independence from British rule. is Incorrect: The demand for immediate independence was not part of the INC's agenda in 1885. The early nationalists (Moderates) believed in the British sense of justice and sought reforms under British rule. The resolution for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) was adopted much later, in 1929.
- To appoint Indian nationals as the Viceroy of India. is Incorrect: The INC did not demand the appointment of an Indian national as the Viceroy. Their demands regarding personnel were focused on the Indianization of the Civil Services (holding simultaneous ICS exams in India and England) and representation in legislative councils.
- To enact the Sedition Act to control local unrest. is Incorrect: The Sedition Act (specifically Section 124A inserted into the IPC) was a repressive tool used by the colonial government to suppress dissent. The INC opposed such measures and fought for the protection of civil rights, rather than demanding the enactment of restrictive laws.
Key Takeaway:
The early constitutional demands of the Congress (1885–1905) centered on legislative expansion and financial scrutiny. These efforts culminated in the Indian Councils Act, 1892, which introduced the principle of election (indirectly) and gave councils the power to discuss the annual financial statement.