The Indian National Congress is also known as the 'Congress Party' in India and is one of the biggest and most powerful political forces in the country.
However, the roots of the Indian national congress go back more than a 100 years ago when it was established in 1885 as a movement for more political freedom and sovereignty in the British Indian Empire.
The founders of the party included upper class Indian citizens from all walks of life including doctors, civil servants, traders and educationists. The party quickly developed a grassroots following throughout the Indian subcontinent and eventually across the British Empire.
Today, it is seen as a social and democratically liberal party with a nationwide presence and huge popularity among India's minorities.
Currently, it is being led by members of the Gandhi-Nehru family.