<P> Moderates believed in the policy of settlement of minor issues with the government by deliberations . But the extremists believed in agitation, strikes and boycotts to force their demands . Some nationalists led by Lokmanya Tilak agitated against the moderate behaviour of congress against British rule . The split between these two sections became outward at the end of Banaras Session of congress (1905). Lokmanya Tilak and his followers held a separate conference and declared the formation of the Extremist Party . However they decided to work as a part of the Indian National Congress . Difference between moderates and extremists further widened in Calcutta Session of congress (1906) and there were attempts between them to elect one of them as the president of congress . The moderates opposed the resolutions on Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott of foreign goods and National Education and requested to withdraw from the policy laid down in the Calcutta session . But the extremists were not ready to do so . </P> <P> In Surat Session (1907), extremists wanted Lala Lajpat Rai or Bal Gangadhar Tilak as a President candidate of congress and Moderates supported Dr. Rashbihari Ghosh to be the President . But Lala Lajpat Rai stepped down and Dr. Rashbihari Ghosh became the President . The British Government immediately launched a massive attack on the extremists and Extremist newspaper were suppressed . Lokmanya Tilak, their main leader, was sent to Mandalay jail for six years </P>

What was the cause of the split in congress