[Sandesh]

Summary

This one-page political communication, headed “SANDESH” and dated 3 June 1968 in Jamnagar, reports local reactions to disciplinary action by the National Executive of the Swatantra Party against the Thakore Saheb of Dhrol. The action barred him from holding office in the Gujarat Swatantra Party or the legislative Swatantra Party for three years. According to the report, the Thakore Saheb and his Girasdar supporters were considering forming another party in Gujarat and the Gujarat Assembly.

Key points

• The Swatantra Party’s National Executive imposed a three-year ban on the Thakore Saheb of Dhrol holding party or legislative-party office.
• The Thakore Saheb’s supporters regarded the disciplinary action as an insult.
• The Thakore Saheb and his Girasdar supporters reportedly decided to form another party in Gujarat and the Gujarat Assembly.
• Jamnagar MLA and Gujarat Assembly deputy opposition leader Liladhar Patel, described as a close friend of the Thakore Saheb, was said to be considering resignation if the decision was not reversed.
• N. Dandekar was scheduled to visit Jamnagar on 8 June 1968, when supporters planned to present their objections.
• The report says supporters believed action against the Thakore Saheb and U. N. Mahida had been taken to please Masani.
• Local Congress leaders were portrayed as closely monitoring the resulting instability in the Swatantra Party.