Resolution for National Convention

Summary

This two-page resolution, issued for the Swatantra Party’s Seventh National Convention in Delhi on August 4–5, 1974, records the party’s decision to pursue a “National Alternative” to address what it describes as political chaos and electoral confusion. It reviews earlier National Executive and General Council discussions, welcomes cooperation among political parties, and calls for a common programme capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

The resolution endorses the formation of a new party through the amalgamation of political forces other than the ruling Congress and the Communist parties, identifying the proposed organisation as Bharatiya Lok Dal. It authorises party president Piloo Mody to announce the Swatantra Party’s dissolution and merger after reviewing developments, to notify the Chief Election Commissioner, and to request that the party’s electoral symbol be frozen. Members who do not join the new party are permitted to continue non-partisan activities under another name.

Key points

• The Swatantra Party presents a two-party or broader opposition-based alternative as a response to political disorder and confusion among voters.
• The party’s National Executive authorised negotiations with other political forces and a draft programme for a National Alternative.
• The General Council supported bringing together political parties other than the ruling Congress and the Communists.
• The Seventh National Convention approved the proposed Bharatiya Lok Dal as the new party emerging from this amalgamation.
• The resolution makes the party’s dissolution and merger conditional on the National Executive’s review of developments.
• President Piloo Mody is authorised to notify the Chief Election Commissioner and seek the freezing of the Swatantra Party’s electoral symbol.
• Members declining to join the new party may continue non-partisan activities under a name other than Swatantra.