Gujarat Swatantra leaders spared, says Masani

Summary

This Times of India report, dated 15 May 1968, describes statements by M. R. Masani, former general secretary of the Swatantra Party in Bombay, concerning the party’s handling of certain Gujarat leaders’ conduct during Rajya Sabha elections. Masani said the national executive had decided not to take serious disciplinary action against them, despite allegations that they had acted against the party’s candidate.

Under the subheading “COMMITTEE’S FAILURE,” the report says Masani criticised the committee for failing to investigate the conduct of the President and general secretary of the Gujarat State unit and certain members of Parliament. He argued that the committee had targeted lesser figures while sparing senior leaders, and said he could serve the party more effectively outside the national executive by devoting himself to constructive work.

Key points

• M. R. Masani criticised the Swatantra Party’s national executive over its treatment of Gujarat leaders.
• The reported dispute concerned conduct during Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat.
• Masani said the party had failed to take serious disciplinary action against certain leaders.
• He accused the committee of overlooking the conduct of senior figures in the Gujarat State unit and Parliament.
• The report presents Masani as arguing that disciplinary scrutiny had fallen more heavily on lesser party members.
• Masani said he could contribute more by remaining outside the national executive and pursuing constructive work.