[Letter to VS Srikumar]

Summary

In this letter dated December 6, 1974, S. V. Raju writes to V. S. Srikumar about preparations for an upcoming Swatantra Party General Council meeting. He reports which Maharashtra representatives are expected, explains why he cannot attend, and argues that the party should pursue its election-symbol claim state by state. He proposes relying on Maharashtra’s electoral precedent while presenting the Delhi National Convention as constitutionally invalid, thereby preserving the party’s national existence.

Key points

• Raju coordinates attendance and arrangements for the Swatantra Party General Council meeting.
• He recommends pursuing the election-symbol claim on a state-by-state basis, beginning with Maharashtra’s precedent.
• He argues that the National Convention held in Delhi violated the party constitution and should be declared invalid.
• The attached guidelines recommend replacing the existing National Executive with an ad hoc body until the 1976 general elections.
• The guidelines distinguish between members who joined the BLD and others who supported the dissolution vote, proposing a less punitive approach to party reorganisation.
• The document calls for gradual filling of vacancies, renewed state-level organisation, shifting party headquarters to Madras, and recovery of party records and equipment.
• The guidelines urge the Swatantra Party to give wholehearted support to Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement.