Bal Gangadhar Tilak was among the earliest leaders demanding Swaraj, or self-rule, from British authorities. However, it was the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru that officially adopted the resolution for "Poorna Swaraj" (complete independence) in 1929 during the Lahore Session.

This declaration was a turning point, as it mobilized people across India to demand full independence rather than dominion status within the British Empire. The movement gained momentum and ultimately led to India's independence in 1947.