In Hind Swaraj, written in 1909, Mahatma Gandhi offers a critical assessment of both the Indian National Congress and British political institutions. Gandhi’s thoughts in the text are shaped by his rejection of Western modernity, colonialism, and the impact of Western civilization on Indian society. His critique is rooted in his vision of Swaraj, which goes beyond mere political independence to encompass a broader spiritual, social, and economic revival of India. Gandhi’s view of the Indian National Congress and British political institutions is deeply intertwined with his ideas of self-rule and non-violence.

Regarding the Indian National Congress, Gandhi was highly critical of the organization’s role in the freedom struggle. While the Congress had been founded with the aim of securing political rights for Indians and representing their interests within the British colonial system, Gandhi believed it had become an instrument of Western-style governance that did not truly serve the needs of the Indian masses. In Hind Swaraj, he argues that the Congress had adopted a Western mindset, seeking to emulate British parliamentary systems and advocating for reforms within the existing colonial structure.