MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY BOARD OF THE SWATANTRA PARTY HELD AT MADRAS ON SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1964 AT 4 P.M.

Summary

These minutes record meetings of the Swatantra Party Parliamentary Board in Madras on 16–17 May 1964. The Board discussed the Kashmir situation, the Party’s position on the proposed reintroduction of the Constitution (Seventeenth Amendment) Bill, and the need for coordinated parliamentary opposition. It resolved that Swatantra members should vote against the Bill at every stage, mobilise public opinion through meetings and demonstrations, and seek assurances that ruling-party members would be allowed a free vote. The minutes also note unsuccessful efforts to establish inter-oppositional cooperation with the Jan Sangh, Praja Socialist Party, and Socialist Party.

The Board reviewed parliamentary performance during the Budget Session, arrears of member subscriptions, participation by Party members on other parties’ platforms, developments within the Communist Party, and recent by-elections. It approved a Kashmir resolution for release to the press, adopted a resolution on refugees, and expressed satisfaction that Swatantra was becoming the main opposition party in the Rajya Sabha. The document concludes with concerns about delayed candidate recommendations and procedural irregularities in elections in Orissa and Bihar. As administrative minutes, the record emphasizes decisions, instructions, and internal Party discipline rather than extended arguments by individual participants.

Key points

• The Parliamentary Board considered the Kashmir situation and the Party’s public and parliamentary position on it.
• It opposed the proposed reintroduction of the Seventeenth Amendment Bill and directed members to vote against it at every stage.
• Party units were asked to organise meetings and demonstrations to mobilise public opinion against the Amendment.
• The Board sought stronger voting participation from Swatantra members and reviewed cooperation with other opposition parties.
• It reviewed parliamentary work, member subscription arrears, and restrictions on members appearing on rival party platforms.
• A Kashmir resolution and a refugee resolution were approved, with the Kashmir resolution intended for press release.
• The Board reviewed electoral results and procedural complaints concerning by-elections in Orissa and Bihar.