Draft Resolution for National Convention

Summary

This two-page draft resolution, issued by the Swatantra Party in Delhi for its National Convention of August 4–5, 1974, reviews the party’s earlier efforts to create a two-party system and a broader opposition platform. It records the National Executive’s call for cooperation among political parties to reduce political confusion and establish a National Alternative capable of responding to the people’s aspirations. The document recounts negotiations involving several party leaders and the submission of a proposal to the General Council, which unanimously endorsed circulating the draft programme to State Councils before the Convention took a final decision.

The resolution welcomes the proposed amalgamation of political forces other than the Ruling Congress and Communist parties into a new Bharatiya Lok Dal, described as “The People’s Party of India.” It authorises party president Piloo Mody to announce the final decision after reviewing developments, including the possible dissolution of the Swatantra Party and its merger into the new party. Members who do not join would be allowed to continue non-partisan political activity, while the party’s electoral symbol would be frozen to prevent unfair use.

Key points

• The Swatantra Party links the proposed National Alternative to the need to overcome political chaos and electoral confusion.
• The National Executive urges political parties and politicians to cooperate for the common good.
• The General Council approves bringing together parties other than the Ruling Congress and Communist parties.
• The draft programme is to be circulated to State Councils before the National Convention makes a final decision.
• The Convention welcomes the impending formation of Bharatiya Lok Dal, or The People’s Party of India.
• The resolution anticipates that the Swatantra Party may dissolve and merge into the new party.
• Members declining to join may continue political activity under another name, while the Swatantra electoral symbol is to be protected.