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Question

Discuss the differences between the Moderates and Extremists.

Accepted Answer

The moderates and extremists differed on the following grounds.

The Extremist’s wing of thinkers insisted that independence should be the natural priority. An independent nation could provide the right set-up for social reformation on the other hand the moderates thought that without social reformation independence was incomplete. They did not mind appealing to the British Government to help in the task of social reforms.
Gopal Ganesh Agarkar was at the helm of those who insisted on the priority of social reforms. He emphasized reforming oneself. Lokmanya Tilak, leader of the extremists wanted that the home being taken over by others should be recovered first, then only we can reform it.
Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale were the leaders of the moderates. They felt that the British Government will not disappoint them if they could, convince the government about their grievances with necessary proofs Lokmanya Tilak on the other hand felt that the British Government will not yield to applications requests and speeches.
The differences between Moderates and Extremists reached their climax in the Surat session of the Indian National Congress in 1907.
The Moderates wanted to avoid the resolutions of ‘Swadeshi and Boycott’ while the extremists wanted to stop these attempts of the moderates.
This increased the tension during the session. Reconciliation became impossible ultimately the Indian National Congress (INC) split into two groups.

Answer