GUJARAT SWATANTRA NOMINEE LOSES IN RAJYA SABHA POLL

Summary

This two-page English-language archival file combines a Times of India News Service clipping dated Ahmedabad, March 28, with a typed Swatantra Party resolution. The clipping reports a political crisis in the Gujarat Swatantra Party after its candidate lost a Rajya Sabha election. It describes dissent against the party leadership, criticism of the official whip, and resignations or threatened resignations by several party legislators and office-bearers. The voting details state that Congress-backed rebel candidate Udesinh Mahida defeated the Swatantra nominee Babulal Vaidya after preference votes were counted; the report also records objections and proposed organisational changes within the party.

Key points

• The Gujarat Swatantra Party experienced internal dissent after its Rajya Sabha nominee lost an election.
• The newspaper report attributes the defeat to opposition to the party leadership and to preference votes from Congress members.
• Udesinh Mahida defeated Babulal Vaidya after second-preference votes were taken into account.
• The report records resignations or threatened resignations by party figures, including the candidate and the deputy leader of the Opposition.
• A separate Swatantra Party resolution expresses sympathy for victims of a cyclone in Orissa, whose suffering followed a three-year drought.
• The resolution appeals for Central Government financial and material assistance, including agricultural loans, house-building equipment, relief works, and irrigation reconstruction.
• The resolution also asks the public and Swatantra Party members to donate to the Orissa Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.