REPORT OF THE SWATANTRA PARTY'S ACTIVITIES FROM 15th NOVEMBER 1960 TO 5th JANUARY 1961.

Summary

This four-page report records the Swatantra Party’s activities in Bombay from 15 November 1960 to 5 January 1961. It highlights C. Rajagopalachari’s visit, including a public lunch at the Taj Mahal Hotel attended by 300 citizens, industrialists and businessmen, and a Chowpatty public meeting attended by an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people. The Bombay unit also organised a Founder’s Day essay competition on Rajagopalachari’s role in Indian politics, secured newspaper advertising for it, and coordinated public tributes and small-donation drives on Rajagopalachari’s birthday.

The report’s main emphasis is organisational expansion. It describes the formation or planned formation of ward units across Bombay, activity in Matunga, Bandra, Malad, Ghatkopar, Delisle Road, Colaba, ‘C’ Ward, Vile Parle and Mandvi, and the establishment of party contacts in colleges. It also reports a training camp for Bandra and Khar workers, a monthly donations drive, support for independent municipal candidates by the Jan Sangh where it was not contesting, and a 1961 membership-renewal campaign. The General Register is said to contain 5,946 members, excluding 184 members resident in other states, while November subscribers numbered 40.

Key points

• C. Rajagopalachari’s November visit to Bombay generated a public lunch, a large Chowpatty meeting and strong newspaper coverage.
• The Bombay unit announced a Founder’s Day essay competition for Maharashtra residents under 35 on Rajagopalachari’s role in Indian politics.
• The report documents efforts to build constituency and ward committees throughout Bombay, often using donated or privately offered office space.
• A Bandra and Khar training camp was planned for 5 February 1961, combining lectures, discussion, membership enrolment and literature distribution.
• Party organisers cultivated student contacts, including a student parliament at Siddharth College and membership or propaganda activity at Khalsa, K.C. and St. Xavier’s Colleges.
• The Bombay unit launched a monthly donations campaign and reported promised regular contributions of Rs. 250 to Rs. 300 from several individuals.
• The party contacted independent municipal candidates and recorded an arrangement for Jan Sangh support where its own candidates were not contesting.
• The report gives a membership strength of 5,946 in the General Register and 40 subscribers for November.