RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE SWATANTRA PARTY, NEW DELHI, AUGUST 4, 1974

Summary

This two-page resolution considers the proposed dissolution of the Swatantra Party to facilitate the formation of a new political party. It acknowledges that, among the seven parties expected to dissolve simultaneously, Swatantra is the only national party, and calls on the proposed successor party to bring other major democratic opposition parties together to create a credible national alternative to the Congress government.

Key points

• The resolution supports dissolving the Swatantra Party as part of the formation of a new party.
• It identifies Swatantra as the only national party among the seven parties expected to dissolve.
• It urges the proposed new party to unite other major democratic opposition parties.
• It records delegates’ belief that Swatantra’s principles and policies, formulated in 1959–1960, remain valid.
• It links those principles to criticism of the country’s present situation under Union Government policies.
• It converts Swatantra into a non-party organisation, the Swatantra Seva Sangh.
• The Seva Sangh is assigned educational and constructive work, while retaining electoral and parliamentary activity through the new party.
• The resolution is proposed by N. R. Rangan and seconded by M. K. Subramanian.