Minimum programme ‘overemphasised’

Summary

In the rendered clipping, S. Gundappa reports that the Swatantra Party’s decision to join a proposed democratic alliance of the Congress (O), Jan Sangh and Socialist Party (SSP) has been followed by disagreement over the alliance’s proposed minimum programme. The article says that Minoo Masani objected to the programme as excessively detailed, arguing instead for a full-fledged alliance without an elaborate common platform. It also notes C. Rajagopalachari’s concern that the parties’ differences could not be bridged without agreement on a minimum programme.

Key points

• The article is datelined Madras, Jan. 6, and is credited to S. Gundappa, a Hindustan Times correspondent.
• The Swatantra Party is reported to have agreed in principle to join a democratic alliance involving the Congress (O), Jan Sangh and SSP.
• Minoo Masani is described as opposing an over-detailed minimum programme in favour of a broader, full-fledged alliance.
• C. Rajagopalachari reportedly viewed a minimum programme as necessary to reconcile differences among the parties.
• N. G. Ranga is quoted as saying that a minimum programme could emerge from the four parties after the poll campaign.
• The clipping reports that the State-level party would follow the central party’s decision and might field joint candidates with Congress (O) and Jan Sangh nominees.