[Letter to Dr R C Cooper]

Summary

In this one-page letter dated 15 November 1972, J. Venkiteswaran writes to Dr. Cooper about Swatantra Party strategy ahead of the Bombay municipal elections. Venkiteswaran states that he does not wish to contest an election himself, but argues that the party should support capable Swatantra workers who have a reasonable chance of winning a seat.

Key points

• The letter concerns the forthcoming Bombay municipal elections.
• Venkiteswaran says he has no desire to contest an election.
• He suggests that the Swatantra Party should support promising party workers as candidates.
• He argues that candidates with essentially Swatantra views might reasonably stand as Independents if that improves their electoral prospects.
• Where suitable Swatantra candidates are unavailable, he recommends openly supporting good candidates from other parties or individuals with a record of good local work.
• Candidates belonging to the ruling Congress and the Communists are explicitly excluded from this proposed support.
• He proposes an urgent meeting of the Bombay Regional Executive to discuss the party and the municipal elections.