Resolution for National Convention

Summary

This two-page Swatantra Party resolution, dated August 4–5, 1974, reviews efforts to create a political “National Alternative” outside the Congress and Communist parties. It records the party’s view that India’s political situation required an all-out effort to form a clearly defined alternative capable of fulfilling the people’s aspirations, while leaving the final decision on participation to the party’s National Convention.

The resolution approves the formation of a new party, the Bharatiya Lok Dal (The People’s Party of India), through the amalgamation of political forces other than Congress and the Communist parties. It authorises President Piloo Mody to declare, in consultation with the National Executive, that the Swatantra Party will cease to exist and merge with the new party, and to notify the Chief Election Commissioner about the party’s dissolution and the freezing of its electoral symbol. Members who do not join the new organisation are permitted to continue political or non-political activities under another name.

Key points

• The Swatantra Party describes India’s political life as chaotic and confusing to the electorate.
• Its National Executive supports exploring a two-party system and cooperation among political parties for the common good.
• The General Council reviewed a proposal for bringing together opposition parties to create a National Alternative.
• The National Convention approves a new party formed by amalgamating forces other than Congress and the Communist parties.
• The new party is identified as the Bharatiya Lok Dal (The People’s Party of India).
• President Piloo Mody is authorised to arrange the Swatantra Party’s merger and dissolution.
• Members declining to join the new party may continue political or non-political activities under another name.