What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

(a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
(b) Extremists' lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) Foundation of Muslim League
(d) Aurobindo Ghosh's inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress

Why the answer is (b)

• At Surat (1907) the Congress split between Moderates led by Gokhale and Extremists led by Tilak.

• The Extremists had lost faith in the Moderates' methods of petitions and negotiation, wanted the Swadeshi–Boycott programme extended nationwide, and distrusted the Moderates' willingness to accept the Morley–Minto reforms — option (b).

• Minto's communal electorates (a) and the Muslim League's founding (c, 1906) were separate developments; the presidential dispute over Rash Behari Ghosh vs Lala Lajpat Rai (not Aurobindo, d) was the trigger, not the cause.

• Hence option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto: Minto's communalism was not the reason for the split.
(c) Foundation of Muslim League: The Muslim League's founding did not cause the split.
(d) Aurobindo Ghosh's inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress: The presidency dispute concerned Lajpat Rai, and was only the trigger.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.