Consider the following statements regarding the foundation of the Indian National Congress (INC): 1. Allan Octavian Hume acted as a catalyst to provide a safe outlet (safety valve theory) for the growing discontent among educated Indians. 2. The early nationalist leaders utilized the INC platform primarily to reject all forms of constitutional engagement with the British. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Topic: Formation of Indian National Congress | Source: AI Generated (UPSC CSE Prelims) | Status: pending review