Copy of Resolution adopted by the State Council of the Swatantra Party, Maharashtra at its meeting held on 6th July 1974 at Bombay.

Summary

This one-page English resolution records the Maharashtra State Council of the Swatantra Party’s opposition to dissolving the party as part of a proposed merger with six other parties. Adopted at Bombay on 6 July 1974, it argues that the Swatantra Party’s principles and policies remain valid and that a new party built around a vague general programme would lack a coherent national alternative.

The resolution also warns that the Congress (O) and Jan Sangh would retain their separate identities and electoral interests, making a genuine two-party system unlikely. It asks the party’s office-bearers to convene another General Council meeting before the proposal reaches the National Convention, while declaring that Maharashtra’s State Council will preserve the Swatantra Party’s identity, message, and flag if dissolution is approved.

Key points

• The Maharashtra State Council considered a proposal to dissolve the Swatantra Party alongside six other parties.
• It maintains that the Swatantra Party’s principles and policies remain valid.
• It argues that a new party based on a vague general programme would be internally divided over policy interpretation.
• It predicts that the continued existence of Congress (O) and Jan Sangh would obstruct the formation of a genuine two-party system.
• It warns that the ruling Congress and Jan Sangh could become the principal beneficiaries of party consolidation.
• It opposes the proposed dissolution and requests another General Council meeting before the National Convention.
• It states that the Maharashtra unit will retain the Swatantra Party’s identity, message, and flag if the national party is dissolved.