Why did the early nationalists oppose the Council Act of 1892?

The early nationalists opposed the Indian Councils Act of 1892 because it failed to provide Indians with substantive control over public finances. While the Act increased the number of non-official members in both the Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils [2], and granted members the right to discuss the annual budget, these reforms were considered superficial. The nationalists were disappointed because the Act did not allow for the voting on the budget or the introduction of amendments, meaning the real power over public funds remained entirely with the British government [4]. The councils were essentially consultative bodies with no veto power or control over executive dominance. Consequently, the early nationalists viewed the Act as a 'complete disappointment' as it did not fulfill their demand for a democratic share in the government or financial accountability [3].

Sources

1. [1] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 12: Growth of New India—The Nationalist Movement 1858—1905 > Constitutional Reforms > p. 209
2. [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Indian Councils Act, 1892 > p. 508
3. [4] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 26: Constitutional, Administrative and Judicial Developments > Indian Councils Act, 1909 > p. 509
4. [3] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 14: Nationalist Movement 1905—1918 > MODERN INDIA > p. 236