[Meeting of Organising Committee]

Summary

This two-page English-language record documents a meeting of the Swatantra Party’s Organising Committee of Greater Bombay held on 8 January 1960. The committee confirmed the previous minutes, welcomed three new members, planned a Republic Day symposium on the “Integrity and Sanctity of the Constitution of India,” and arranged a flag-hoisting ceremony followed by a party luncheon. It also reviewed the first month’s activities of the Swatantra Service Centre and proposed newspaper publicity for its work.

The minutes record organisational, financial, and political decisions. The committee discussed pamphlet publication, ward meetings, purchasing an addressing machine, expenditure connected with the BEST strike, and a reported bank balance of Rs. 32,659-56. It reviewed central-party decisions on foreign policy and finance, including an increase in Bombay’s annual contribution to five lakhs and the proposed formation of a Public Advice Committee. M. R. Masani’s resignation as chairman was accepted in connection with his election as General Secretary, and Murarji Vaidya was invited to succeed him; the committee also set a membership target of 5,000 before the February convention at Patna. These minutes provide an internal snapshot of the party’s early organisational expansion and political priorities in Greater Bombay.

Key points

• The Greater Bombay Organising Committee met on 8 January 1960 under the chairmanship of M. R. Masani.
• A Republic Day symposium was planned around the integrity and sanctity of India’s Constitution, with proposed speakers including B. Rama Rau, K. M. Munshi, N. A. Palkhivala, and S. D. Vimadalal.
• The Swatantra Service Centre reported its first month’s activities and planned press advertising.
• The committee discussed pamphlet publication, ward-level “Question and Answers” meetings, and purchasing an addressing machine.
• The minutes record a bank balance of Rs. 32,659-56 and approximately Rs. 50,000 already contributed to the Central Party.
• The committee reviewed expenditure related to the BEST strike and established procedures for urgent meetings and emergency action.
• M. R. Masani’s resignation as chairman was accepted, with Murarji Vaidya invited to become chairman; membership efforts were directed toward a target of 5,000 before 15 February 1960.