PARLIAMENTARY SUB-COMMITTEE CIRCULAR

Summary

This two-page Swatantra Party circular, dated 29 July 1966, seeks approval from the Central Parliamentary Board Sub-Committee for the nomination of P. C. Sharma as the party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Nowgong in Assam. M. R. Masani presents Sharma as a former Member of the Rajya Sabha who had expressed interest in contesting the constituency and reports that Professor Ranga supports the nomination. Masani asks colleagues to approve the proposal by circular so that Sharma can begin work and receive financial assistance from August.

Key points

• The document is an internal Swatantra Party circular from the Central Office in Bombay, dated 29 July 1966.
• M. R. Masani writes as a member of the Central Parliamentary Board Sub-Committee authorised to nominate prospective parliamentary candidates.
• The proposed candidate is Purna Chandra Sharma of Nowgong, Assam, a former Rajya Sabha member and former Congress politician.
• The circular states that Professor Ranga supports Sharma’s nomination and asks for approval by return telegram or quick reply.
• Masani recommends placing at least one parliamentary candidate from the Plains of Assam, possibly one in the Hill areas.
• The attached particulars describe Nowgong’s predominant communities as Muslim, tribal, and Hindu, and provide results from the previous general election.
• The document notes that the SSP and PSP have no candidates for the coming contest, while the Communists may field one but are considered less likely.