There is controversy over the actual motives of Hume in foundation of INC. It was started with the W.C. Banerjee’s statement in 1898 that Hume was acting under the direct advice of Dufferin.
It was e leaved that at Dufferin’s idea was to have a political organisation through which the Government could ascertain the real wishes of the people and thus save the administration from any possible political outbursts in the country.
This theory (popularly known as “Safety valve theory) got enough support from radical critics like Lala Lajpat Rai, R.P.Dutt etc.
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This theory however has lost its basis with the opening of Dufferin’s private papers, which reveal that no one in ruling circle took.
Hume’s (disregarded prophet of disaster) Cassandra like predictions of imminent chaos very seriously Dufferin even advised the Governor of Bombay in Ma 1885 to keep away from the proposed “political conversations of delegates.”
Thus it seems that a desire for having a national organization had been in air for quite some time. Hume only took advantage of an already created atmosphere.
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Probably the exaggerated idea of Hume’s potential influence in official circles and his being above regional loyalties made him more acceptable among Indians.