Minutes of the State Council Meeting of the Swatantra Party, Maharashtra, held at Bombay on Saturday, the 27th April 1974 at 4.00 p.m.

Summary

These minutes record an urgent meeting of the Maharashtra State Council of the Swatantra Party held in Bombay on 27 April 1974 to consider the proposed merger of the party with other democratic parties. The discussion followed a National Executive meeting in Delhi on 6–7 April and press reports that eight parties, including Swatantra, had agreed to merge. Madhu Mehta explained that the National Executive had only concluded that the possibilities of a two-party system should be explored, and cautioned members against treating inaccurate press reports as a settled decision.

The recorded views show substantial opposition to an immediate merger, though some members supported merger in principle or regarded it as necessary for the party’s survival. Critics stressed the importance of preserving Swatantra’s principles and identity, questioned cooperation with parties of different ideologies, and objected to the leadership or regional character of prospective partners such as BKD, SSP, and Utkal Congress. Others supported a merger based on agreed principles or a minimum common programme. The meeting concluded that a gist of the discussion should be submitted to the National Executive, which could refer the matter to the General Council.

Key points

• The meeting was convened to discuss a proposed merger of the Swatantra Party with other democratic parties.
• Madhu Mehta distinguished between exploring a two-party system and having already agreed to an eight-party merger.
• Members were warned not to rely on inaccurate or premature press reports.
• Most recorded speakers opposed an immediate merger or insisted that it be conditional on shared principles.
• Several members emphasized preserving the Swatantra Party’s ideological identity and national character.
• A minority supported merger as necessary in the prevailing political situation or for the party’s survival.
• The Chairman directed that the discussion be summarized for the National Executive and possibly the General Council.