[Letter from SV Raju]

Summary

This four-page archival item is a 1974 letter from S. V. Raju, identified as a delegate from Maharashtra, to “The Chief Reporter.” Raju informs the press that admission has been denied to the Swatantra Party Convention scheduled for 4–5 August and invites press representatives to a briefing on 5 August at Vitthalbhai Patel Bhavan, New Delhi. The letter names several party officials and regional delegates who will meet journalists to explain the convention’s proceedings and implications.

Key points

• S. V. Raju writes to the chief reporter on behalf of delegates to the Swatantra Party’s national convention.
• The letter states that the press was denied admission to the convention on 4–5 August 1974.
• Raju argues that excluding journalists deprives the public of information about the convention’s proceedings.
• The writers specifically object to secrecy surrounding the proposed dissolution of the Swatantra Party.
• The letter suggests that press exclusion may be intended to conceal the strength of opposition to dissolving the party.
• A press briefing is proposed for Monday, 5 August, at 7 p.m. at Deputy Speaker’s Hall, Vitthalbhai Patel Bhavan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi.
• The attachments include a signed statement by delegates and handwritten contact or distribution lists for newspapers and news agencies.