[For Favour Of Publication]

Summary

This three-page Swatantra Party headquarters communication, dated Bombay, April 3, announces that M. R. Masani has resigned as president of the party. The accompanying publication note presents the resignation as an application of a general principle of administration: when a country, army, business, or political organisation suffers a disaster, its leader should accept responsibility and make way for someone with fresh ideas and an open mind. It also says that Masani regarded the party’s present plight as the cumulative result of shortcomings and mistakes for which, as president, he shared responsibility.

Key points

• The Swatantra Party announces M. R. Masani’s resignation as party president.
• Masani’s stated rationale is framed as a general principle of responsible administration.
• Leaders should accept responsibility for organisational failure and hand over office after a serious setback.
• The note describes the party’s difficulties as the cumulative result of several shortcomings and mistakes.
• Masani is said to hope that his resignation will demonstrate that politicians should not make excuses to remain in office.
• He intends to continue advocating the party’s philosophy and principles as a member of its General Council.
• Pages 2–3 contain a Gujarati letter apparently corresponding to the resignation letter referenced in the English publication note.