[Swatantra Party Minutes of Meeting]

Summary

This one-page record documents an informal meeting of Swatantra Party committee members held on 10 April 1964 in the Opposition Members’ Room at Central Hall, New Delhi. Prof. N. G. Ranga chaired the meeting, and Kapur Singh served as secretary. The members discussed the release of Sheikh Abdullah, its implications for the Kashmir question and Indo-Pakistan relations, the party’s position, and Shri P. K. Deo’s speech. They agreed that Prof. Ranga need not participate in the discussion on the External Affairs Ministry’s Demands for Grants.

The members also considered the Government’s proposal to send Members of Parliament abroad to explain India’s position on Pakistan and Kashmir. The minutes record their view that participation should not be treated as an automatic duty and that members should be cautious about joining such delegations. If an invitation were extended, the Leader was to advise members if the Executive could not be convened.

Key points

• An informal Swatantra Party committee meeting was held on 10 April 1964 in Parliament’s Opposition Members’ Room.
• Prof. N. G. Ranga chaired the meeting; Kapur Singh was secretary.
• The meeting addressed Sheikh Abdullah’s release and its implications for Kashmir and Indo-Pakistan relations.
• Members discussed the party’s attitude and Shri P. K. Deo’s speech.
• Prof. Ranga was not required to participate in the External Affairs Ministry’s Demands for Grants discussion.
• Members urged caution regarding proposed parliamentary delegations abroad on Pakistan and Kashmir.
• Participation in such delegations was not considered an automatic duty; the Leader would advise members if the Executive could not meet.