Tentative Draft Resolution to be placed before the National Convention of the Swatantra Party

Summary

This 1974 tentative draft resolution proposes that the Swatantra Party dissolve itself to facilitate the formation of a new national party. It argues that such a reorganisation could encourage a two-party system, produce an electoral alternative, and address the continuing political crisis by preserving the party’s principles and policies. The resolution acknowledges strong opposition, including objections that a new party would not necessarily create a genuine two-party system and that split voting could damage its credibility with the Indian public.

The proposal seeks to reconcile these positions through a service-oriented successor organisation. The Swatantra Party would be converted into a non-party body called the Swatantra Seva Sangh, devoted to educational and constructive activities and to propagating the party’s principles. This organisation would support electoral and parliamentary activity at both Union and state levels, while remaining open both to those joining the proposed new party and to those continuing constructive political work independently. The resolution also calls for new rules to be adopted by delegates at a meeting in New Delhi on 6 August 1974, with the party offices and National Headquarters instructed to implement the decision.

Key points

• The National Convention considers dissolving the Swatantra Party to facilitate the formation of a new party.
• Supporters claim the proposal could help create a two-party system and provide a national alternative.
• Opponents question whether the new party would produce a genuine two-party system and warn that split voting could undermine its credibility.
• The resolution presents dissolution as consistent with the Swatantra Party’s commitment to freedom of choice and freedom of expression.
• The party is to be converted into the non-party Swatantra Seva Sangh.
• The Swatantra Seva Sangh would undertake educational and constructive activities and propagate the Swatantra Party’s principles.
• The proposed rules would be considered and adopted by delegates at a New Delhi meeting called for 6 August 1974.