[Swatantra party notice]

Summary

This untitled Swatantra Party (Bombay Region) office-record packet, issued from Bombay in January–February 1971, contains meeting notices and draft minutes for Executive Committee meetings held on 16 December 1970 and 27 January 1971. The notices set agendas covering approval of earlier minutes, party organisation, the Public Assistance Bureau, and preparations for mid-term and Lok Sabha elections. The minutes record attendance, leave, committee assignments, convention preparations, office administration, bills, membership, and the allocation of delegates from local units.

Key points

• The 20 January 1971 notice called an Executive Committee meeting for 27 January to discuss earlier minutes, matters arising from them, and the mid-term elections.
• The 16 December 1970 minutes describe preparations for a party convention, including sub-committees, a Ladies Wing meeting, circulars to party units, and proposed organisational work.
• The committee debated the use of office space, including whether a cabin should be reserved for the Public Assistance Bureau or shared for wider party work.
• Financial discussion covered sanctioned printing and banner bills, insufficient funds for Public Assistance Bureau expenses, donations, and procedures for submitting monthly accounts.
• The 27 January minutes report low party membership and weak attendance in some Bombay units, while directing Joint Secretaries to inspect units and submit reports.
• The committee decided that the Public Assistance Bureau’s activities would be handled by Joint Secretaries, the General Secretary, existing staff, and a typist, while Treasurers would oversee timely accounts.
• Electoral discussion considered Swatantra’s possible candidates and alliances in Bombay and Maharashtra, including support involving Shiv Sena and opposition to George Fernandes.
• The 9 February 1971 notice called another Executive Committee meeting to approve the 27 January minutes and decide the party’s policy on supporting candidates contesting Lok Sabha seats from Bombay City.