[Letter from John Deng]

Summary

This undated-title office letter, dated 28 June 1962 and signed by John Deng, reports an internal Swatantra Party dispute from the Shillong branch to the party’s General Secretary in Bombay. Deng says that Prof. G. G. Swell, a Lok Sabha member from Assam’s Autonomous Districts, was disappointed by what he regarded as K. P. Deo’s unfriendly attitude toward him and toward the tribal population more generally. According to Deng, Deo actively campaigned against Swell during the parliamentary election of members to the Estimates Committee, although Swell was elected. The letter asks the party’s central leadership to intervene with Deo. Deng warns that public knowledge of the dispute could damage the party’s position among the tribes in Shillong, and notes that Swell had previously respected and trusted the Swatantra Party and had even considered joining it. The document records a specific episode of party management, factional tension, and concern about the party’s relationship with tribal voters; it does not provide Deo’s response or describe any subsequent action.

Key points

• John Deng writes from the Swatantra Party’s Shillong branch to the party’s General Secretary in Bombay. The letter is dated 28 June 1962 and concerns Prof. G. G. Swell, a Lok Sabha member from Assam’s Autonomous Districts. Deng reports Swell’s disappointment with K. P. Deo’s alleged hostility toward Swell and the tribes. The dispute is linked to the election of parliamentary members to the Estimates Committee. Deng asks the central party leadership to check Deo’s conduct and report what steps are taken. The letter warns that the controversy could adversely affect the Swatantra Party among tribal communities in Shillong.
• Deng says Swell had respected and trusted the party and had previously considered joining it.