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

Summary

This two-page resolution asks the Swatantra Party’s National Convention to approve the party’s dissolution in order to facilitate the formation of a new political party. It argues that the proposed successor should continue efforts to bring other major democratic opposition parties into a credible national alternative to the ruling Congress, which the resolution presents as an urgent political need.

The resolution acknowledges delegates’ disappointment at dissolving a party whose principles and policies remain, in its view, valid since their formulation in 1959–1960. It therefore proposes converting the Swatantra Party into a non-party service organisation, the Swatantra Sewa Sangh. The new organisation would pursue educational and constructive activities, avoid electoral and parliamentary activity at Union and State levels, and allow members either to join the proposed new party or to continue advocating Swatantra principles independently. The resolution was proposed by M. R. Masani and seconded by H. K. Subramaniam.

Key points

• The National Convention is asked to approve the dissolution of the Swatantra Party.
• The proposed new party is expected to unite major democratic opposition parties into a credible national alternative to Congress.
• The resolution maintains that Swatantra principles and policies remain valid despite the party’s dissolution.
• The party is to become the Swatantra Sewa Sangh, a non-party service organisation.
• The new organisation will focus on educational and constructive activities rather than elections or parliamentary work.
• Members may join the proposed new party or continue educating the public about Swatantra principles independently.
• The resolution emphasises freedom of choice and expression within the organisation and decision-making by consensus.