HISTORY
Congress
Sessions-XVII
64th
Session
NAGPUR
1959
The
resolution on planning stated that, ‘creation of a democratic
and socialistic society should be clearly and unambiguously
placed before the nation as the objective of planning, and
the implications of socialism, in terms of individual and
cooperative effort it requires, should be clearly explained
to the people. The stress should be laid not only on individual
and social demands and needs but equally on duties and obligations
and the work that is necessary for meeting these needs.’
The
resolution on agriculture stated that the service cooperatives
and cooperative joint farming with the farmers retaining
proprietary rights and the workers getting a share on the
basis of the work done by them should be started within
3 years. It also recommended immediate introduction of land
reforms and distribution of all surplus land to the land
less.
The
Congress expressed conviction that co-operation between
nations, particularly those advanced in science and technology
was essential. Regretted that no substantial advance made
towards world disarmament. Independence of Ghana welcomed.
Full support declared to the people of Cyprus and Algeria
in their struggle for nationhood. Reaffirmed that the last
remnant of colonialism, Goa should be liberated from Portuguese
rule. Reiterated its solidarity with the people of Indian
origin in South Africa in their struggle against racial
discrimination.
The
President
U.
N. DHEBAR (1905-1977)
Note:
After the Nagpur session of the Congress, Shri U. N.
Dhebar, the President resigned and a new President had to
be elected. The Hyderabad session of the AICC had passed
a resolution debarring President and Secretaries of Congress
Committees from holding office for more than one term. The
resolution was meant to operate for elections in future.
But Shri U. N. Dhebar felt that having regard to the spirit
underlying the Hyderbad resolution and to remove any possible
misunderstanding, he should resign before completing the
full term. This necessitated a fresh election. On February
2, 1959, Smt. Indira Gandhi was unanimously elected.
At
the Bangalore session, Smt. Indira Gandhi handed over charge
to the new President Shri N. Sanjiva Reddy on January 14,
1960.
65th
Session
BANGALORE
1960
Neelam
Sanjiva Reddy in his presidential address said, ‘In the
context of our existing conditions, the fight against poverty
and unemployment, our attempt at the economic betterment
of our people, become major objectives. These can be realised
by rapid growth in production and by equitable distribution.’
Supported
movement for decentralisation of rural economy and establishment
of Panchayati Raj. In the International resolution, welcomed
emergence of freedom of new countries in Africa. Racial
segregation in some countries of Africa, condemned. Regretted
that the people of Africa were suffering in their struggle
for Independence. Reaffirmed its conviction that people
of Goa would be liberated from Portuguese rule. Agreements
between India and Pakistan on the eastern and western front
were regarded as positive development.
The
President
NEELAM
SANJIVA REDDY
Secretary
Andhra Provincial Congress Committee from 1938-1946. In
jail from 1940-1942. Re-arrested when returning from Bombay
for attending A.I.C.C. session which passed Quit India resolution.
Released in 1945. Minister for Prohibition, Housing and
Forests in the Raja Ministry from 1949-1951. State of Andhra
Pradesh came into existence in 1953 and he became Leader
of the Congress Party in the Legislature. Instrumental in
forming a united front in the elections which resulted in
Congress succeeding beyond expectations. Became Chief Minister
of Andhra Pradesh. President of the A.I.C.C. in 1960, 1961
and 1962. President of India from 1977-1982.
66th
Session
BHAVNAGAR
1961
Draft
of third Five-Year Plan was endorsed. Resolution on National
Integration stated firmly that communalism, casteism and
provincialism should be combated in every way. In International
Affairs resolution, affirmed belief that only way to ensure
peace was complete disarmament. Regretted that Portugal
had made no effort whatsoever to emancipate the enslaved
people of Goa. Characterised that violation of Indian territory
by China and its occupation was a breach of the principles
of co-existence which India and China had mutually agreed
upon.
The
President
NEELAM
SANJIVA REDDY
67th
Session
PATNA
1962
Election
manifesto was endorsed and expected all Congressmen to participate
in the election campaign in a spirit of devoted and disciplined
service. Welcomed support of Parliament to the Government’s
foreign policy. Independence of Tanganyika was welcomed.
Regretted that certain vested interests were involved against
the United Nations forces in Congo. The end of Portuguese
rule in Goa was welcomed. Prime Minister’s declaration of
policies and intentions in regard to the future of Goa that
individuality of the territory would be respected and that
Goans would share fully the freedom and fundamental rights
guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
The
President
NEELAM
SANJIVA REDDY
-
Ashish Talwar
