Letter dated 28.7.74 to Sri Madhu Mehta

Summary

This four-page English archival document consists of a letter dated 28 July 1974 from Harihar Patel to Sri Madhu Mehta, followed by an attached note and a press statement. Patel explains that he cannot attend the Swatantra Party’s National Executive and National Convention meetings because of recent surgery and travel constraints. He protests the proposed participation of Odisha delegates, arguing that no delegates had been properly elected under the party constitution and that the State Council proceedings were procedurally defective. The attached note argues that the Swatantra Party constitution contains no provision for dissolution and that the National Convention cannot dissolve the party without first amending the constitution.

Key points

• Patel sends his views to Madhu Mehta because recent surgery prevents him from attending the National Executive and National Convention meetings.
• He alleges that no Swatantra Party delegates were elected in Orissa and that purported delegates therefore lack authority to participate.
• He maintains that a proposal to dissolve the party is constitutionally impermissible because the party constitution contains no dissolution provision.
• The note distinguishes dissolution from merger and argues that dissolution cannot be treated as an ordinary question of party policy.
• The National Convention is described as empowered to discuss national policy and amend the constitution, but not to exceed powers granted by the constitution.
• In the attached press statement, Patel rejects claims that he supported merger and dissolution at the Orissa State Council meeting.
• Patel supports efforts to create a national alternative to the Congress and Communist parties but opposes dissolving the Swatantra Party without proper constitutional authorization.