The elective principle was first introduced by the British in the Indian Councils Act of 1892. The Congress and its nationalist precursors, and the Indian Press, had been demanding elections to the Councils, elected majorities in them, and greater powers to the non-official members of the Councils for many years before that. Nationalist demands had already far exceeded what was granted in 1892.

The 1892 Act introduced elected members, but they were still in a minority and had very few powers.