Draft Minutes of the meeting of the Central Parliamentary Board held at the residence of the President Mr. M.R. Masani in New Delhi on April 11, 1970.

Summary

These draft minutes record the Swatantra Party Central Parliamentary Board meeting held at M.R. Masani’s residence in New Delhi on 11 April 1970. The Board confirmed the previous minutes and reviewed party activity concerning the Orissa Preventive Detention Act, parliamentary by-elections in Buldana and Mathura, and complaints about party members making statements contrary to party policy.

The minutes then assess electoral coordination and party discipline across several states. They note cooperation or disputes involving Congress (O), Jana Sangh, the PSP, the DMK, the Forward Bloc, and other opposition groups; approve or review candidates for forthcoming by-elections; criticise poor parliamentary attendance; and discuss the organisation of a non-Communist opposition front in Andhra. The meeting concludes with a reminder that MPs should obtain prior approval before issuing joint statements or signing memoranda with other political parties.

Key points

• The Board confirmed the minutes of its 19 March 1970 meeting.
• It reviewed an alternative bill concerning the Orissa Preventive Detention Act and its discussion with state leaders.
• It approved electoral decisions in the Buldana and Mathura parliamentary by-elections, including support for independent candidates.
• It examined alleged breaches of party instructions in Gujarat and recommended disciplinary action through the state party organisation.
• It reviewed election-related cooperation and organisational developments in Andhra, Mysore, Madras, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• It expressed concern about poor attendance by the party’s MPs in both Houses of Parliament.
• It reiterated that MPs should not issue joint statements or sign memoranda with other parties without prior approval.