- not truly representative of all India and Indians
- pro capitalists and pro landed class
- but masses were working class in urban areas and ryots in rural areas
- goal of limited self governance = weak!
- even their ultimate goal was self government like Australia / Canada with full British citizenship
- reflected lack of faith in masses for self governance
- suspected them to become violent and hurt WEMC interests
- eg. old wound from no Indians in Civil Services after 1858 Revolt
- weak methods + gradualist + no trust in masses
- neglected social issues
- partly politicians
- did not build strong INC organization
- mendicancy failed to create pressure on brits