INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The British became more aggressive towards Congress. British officials openly criticised the acts of the Congress. During one of his addresses in 1887, Dufferin himself criticised the Congress. He said they were “a body of microscopic minority”.

Detailed explanation-2: -The correct answer is Lord Dufferin. Dufferin called INC as ‘Microscopic minority’.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 under the tenure of Lord Dufferin. Lord Dufferin came as Viceroy of India in 1884 after Lord Ripon. These lines are saying by Lord Dufferin-“She represents a minority of the public whose numbers are small".

Detailed explanation-4: -The Viceroy, Lord Dufferin favoured the formation of the Congress because he wanted it to act as a ‘safety valve’ for popular discontent, thereby, safeguarding the British interest in India. As the Congress started becoming more assertive in their demands and specifications the British grew wary.

Detailed explanation-5: -Solution(By Examveda Team) Lord Dufferin initially did not take Congress much seriously. He initially called Congress as representative of “microscopic minority of India” but later in the fourth session of Allahabad, the Government servants were disallowed to take part in the proceedings of the Congress.