Draft Resolution for National Convention

Summary

This two-page draft resolution, prepared for the Swatantra Party’s National Convention in Delhi on August 4–5, 1974, reviews the party’s efforts to create a two-party system and a broader political alternative to Congress and the Communists. It urges cooperation among opposition parties and records the General Council’s view that the country’s political situation requires an organised National Alternative with a clear programme capable of responding to popular aspirations.

The resolution welcomes the proposed amalgamation of non-Congress, non-Communist political forces and specifically supports the proposed Bharatiya Lok Dal (the People’s Party of India). It authorises party president Piloo Mody, in consultation with a named committee, to set the date for the merger; declares that the Swatantra Party will cease to exist and merge into the new party; and permits members who do not join the new organisation to continue non-partisan political activity. It further authorises notification of the Chief Election Commissioner regarding dissolution and requests that the Swatantra Party’s electoral symbol be frozen.

Key points

• The National Executive had reviewed the state of the nation and endorsed efforts to overcome political fragmentation through a two-party system.
• The Swatantra Party called on opposition parties and politicians to cooperate for the common good.
• The General Council supported creating a National Alternative composed of political forces other than Congress and the Communist parties.
• The resolution welcomed the proposed amalgamation into the Bharatiya Lok Dal, or People’s Party of India.
• The Swatantra Party was to cease to exist and merge into the new party once the merger took effect.
• Members declining to join the new party would be free to conduct non-partisan political activity under another name.
• Piloo Mody was authorised to notify the Chief Election Commissioner of the party’s dissolution and request that its electoral symbol be frozen.