[Complaints Regarding the Delegates Quota]

Summary

In this two-page letter dated July 6, 1974, Piloo Mody explains and defends the Swatantra Party’s proposed delegate quota for its forthcoming National Convention. He presents the convention as taking place at a critical moment for India and argues that limited hall capacity, the party’s growth from a cadre-based to a mass-based organisation, and the need for equal representation of individual members justify a maximum of 1,000 delegates, with each delegate representing the same number of votes. He rejects arrangements in which one delegate could speak for substantially more members than another.

Mody also frames the quota question as part of a larger decision over whether the Swatantra Party should make common cause with other opposition parties to create a national alternative. He urges members to deliberate faithfully and honestly, accept the convention’s verdict, keep the party united, and avoid a split that would undermine the objective of a two-party system. The letter closes by warning against groupism and personalised politics, which he says cause members to surrender their individual conscience and intelligence.

Key points

• The letter responds to complaints about a delegate quota approved by the National Executive by a vote of 23 to 3.
• Mody says the National Convention is being held during a critical period of national turmoil and institutional uncertainty.
• Limited indoor capacity during the monsoon is offered as one reason for restricting attendance.
• The party’s growth into a mass-based organisation makes the earlier 10:1 delegate ratio unmanageable; Mody says a 100:1 ratio is now possible.
• The convention is intended to discuss whether the Swatantra Party should cooperate with other opposition parties to create a national alternative.
• Mody argues that delegates must represent equal numbers of members and that decisions affecting every member should be made on an individual rather than regional basis.
• He calls for party unity, acceptance of the convention’s verdict, and avoidance of a split that would weaken the goal of a two-party system.