COPY OF RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE STATE COUNCIL OF the Swatantra Party, Maharashtra

Summary

This two-page resolution records the Maharashtra State Council of the Swatantra Party’s opposition to dissolving the party as part of a proposed merger of seven parties into a new political organisation. Meeting in Bombay on 6 July 1974, the Council emphasizes that the Swatantra Party is the only national party among the seven and argues that its principles and policies remain valid. It contends that the proposed new party would offer no genuine national alternative because its members agree only on a vague general programme and may disagree on how to interpret it.

Key points

• The Maharashtra State Council rejects the proposal to dissolve the Swatantra Party.
• It distinguishes the Swatantra Party’s national status from the other six, which are confined to particular states or regions.
• It maintains that the party’s principles and policies remain valid and criticizes existing government policy for producing a critical national situation.
• It argues that the proposed successor party would not constitute a genuinely national alternative because its programme is vague and contested.
• It warns that the continued separate existence of Congress and the Jan Sangh would frustrate the development of a two-party system.
• The Council asks that the General Council reconsider dissolution before the National Convention.
• If dissolution is approved, the Maharashtra unit states that it will retain the Swatantra Party identity and continue its message and flag.