Decisions taken at the meeting of Swatantra Party Workers Maharashtra, on Monday, 24th January 1977.

Summary

This one-page document records decisions taken at a meeting of Swatantra Party workers in Maharashtra on 24 January 1977. The participants decide not to call for the party’s dissolution immediately, arguing that the available time should instead be used to strengthen Janata Party candidates. Although the national coordinating group of opposition parties had reportedly ignored the Swatantra Party, the meeting resolves that Swatantra members should cooperate by supporting and working for Janata candidates, without asking for seats unless members are specifically invited to contest.

Key points

• The meeting rejects immediate dissolution of the Swatantra Party.
• Swatantra Party energies are to be concentrated on strengthening Janata Party candidates.
• The party will cooperate with the opposition despite having been ignored by the national coordinating group.
• Members should not ask for electoral seats and should contest only if called upon.
• Swatantra workers are instructed to campaign as Janata Party workers until results are declared.
• Criticism of the Congress should focus on policies rather than personal attacks, while defending civil liberties and press freedom.