The core of the safety-valve thesis is based on the idea that an anti-colonial revolution was likely to happen if a constitutional platform like the congress was not established. Option 1 correctly states this assumption. It suggests that without a peaceful means of addressing grievances and advocating for change, the frustration and anger of the Indian population would have inevitably led to a violent uprising against the British colonial rule in India.

Option 2 is incorrect because it suggests that the congress would assist the British in administering the colony. However, the safety-valve thesis does not assume that the congress would act in collaboration with the British, but rather that it would provide an alternative platform for Indian nationalists to express their demands.

Option 3 is incorrect because it implies that congress leaders would form part of the colonial elite. The safety-valve thesis does not make this assumption, but rather focuses on the congress as a platform for demanding self-governance and addressing the grievances of the Indian population.

Option 4 is incorrect because it suggests that the congress would assist the colonial rulers in implementing reforms. However, the safety-valve thesis does not assume that the congress would work towards implementing reforms dictated by the British colonial rulers, but rather advocates for the Indian population`s demands for self-governance and autonomy.