Mahatma Gandhi commanded extraordinary influence over Congress all his life.
Belgaum was an important center of the Freedom movement.
Lokmanya Tilak launched his Home Rule League from Belgaum in 1916.
The town had the honor of hosting the All India 39th Congress session in 1924 that was the only session which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi, and the only session held in Karnataka.
Note: He was President of the Indian National Congress only for once in Belgaum Session in 1924.