Letter dated 24.8.1974 to Shri Piloo Mody, President.

Summary

This two-page letter dated 24 August 1974 is addressed to Piloo Mody, identified as president, and explains the writer’s absence from the Swatantra Party’s National Executive meeting. The writer says that prior commitments before the Revenue Board prevent attendance, then restates objections to the proposed dissolution of the party. The letter argues that reducing the number of political parties may be desirable, but that any such change must follow the party’s constitution and established procedure.

Key points

• The writer asks to be excused from the 28 August 1974 National Executive meeting because of Revenue Board hearings on 30 and 31 August.
• The letter argues that party procedure is an essential component of democratic practice, not a meaningless ritual.
• The writer maintains that the Swatantra Party constitution contains no provision for dissolution and would have to be amended first.
• The writer disputes the legitimacy of Orissa delegates, claiming that no delegation was elected as required by the party constitution.
• The proposed dissolution is described as legally incompetent, politically premature, and ineffective.
• The writer calls for time to consider future developments and possible alternatives before dissolving the party.
• The letter concludes that the writer will remain in the Swatantra Party while observing the course followed by the Bharatiya Lok Dal.