NOTICE OF RESOLUTION TO BE MOVED AT THE SEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE SWATANTRA PARTY ON AUGUST 4 & 5, 1974 IN NEW DELHI

Summary

This four-page English convention document records two related Swatantra Party resolutions considered at the party’s Seventh National Convention in New Delhi on August 4–5, 1974. The first resolution rejects a proposal to dissolve the Swatantra Party alongside six other parties in order to facilitate the formation of a new party. It argues that Swatantra is the only national party among the seven, that its principles and policies remain valid, and that its continued existence is necessary to preserve a national alternative to the Congress. The resolution also warns that the continued existence of the Congress(O) and Jan Sangh could frustrate the development of a genuine two-party system.

Key points

• The convention rejects the proposal to dissolve the Swatantra Party.
• Swatantra is described as the only national party among the seven parties expected to dissolve.
• The document maintains that Swatantra’s principles and policies remain valid and relevant to India’s critical political situation.
• A proposed new party is presented as a possible national democratic alternative, despite disagreements among its prospective participants over policy.
• The continued existence of Congress(O) and Jan Sangh is said to threaten the emergence of a two-party system.
• A second resolution proposes converting the Swatantra Party into the non-party Swatantra Seva Sangh while preserving and promoting its principles through educational and constructive activities.
• The resolutions were proposed or seconded by Parmanand Kejriwal, Girish Munshi, M. R. Masani, and K. H. Subramaniam.