CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN DR. R.C. COOPER, RAJAJI AND OTHERS REGARDING THE SWATANTRA PARTY AND ITS FUTURE

Summary

This confidential 1972 dossier brings together correspondence about the Swatantra Party’s electoral decline and future. Dr. R. C. Cooper argues that the party’s programme has failed to attract a mass constituency and presents three options: continue unchanged, merge with like-minded parties, or dissolve and allow members to pursue public work independently. Rajaji recommends delaying a final decision until the party’s National Executive and General Council have fully debated the issue.

The visible rejoinders reject dissolution and merger, defending Swatantra’s principles while calling for organisational renewal, direct action, public education, stronger contact with the rank and file, and more persistent political follow-up. Madhu Mehta attributes the party’s decline to weak organisation and leadership after its earlier electoral successes, but argues that dissolving it would damage both the party’s principles and the democratic cause. The dossier does not include the listed April 5 reply from Dr. Cooper.