Choosing India's P.M.

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30959, 15 January 1966, Page 13

Choosing India's P.M.

(N Z PA -Reuter—Copyright) NEW DELHI, Jan. 14. The Parliamentary group of India’s ruling Congress Party will meet on January 19 to elect a new Prime Minister, the party’s working committee decided today. The committee said the group’s 500 members will choose a new party leader who automatically becomes Prime Minister. The meeting will be open to nominations. If there is only one nomination the election will be by unanimous acclamation. If

there are two candidates there will be a straight secret ballot. If there are more than two, anyone getting more than 50 per cent of the votes will be automatically elected. If no candidate gains half the votes at the first ballot, then the candidate with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated and a second ballot taken. The party secretary-general, Mr T. Manaen told reporters every effort would be made to achieve a unanimous choice. In a surprise move a powerful group of Congress officials was reported to be pressing the party president. Mr Kumaraswami Kamaraj, i to stand for the leadership. F

The 62-year-old party president has not indicated whether he would be willing to stand but it is possible that if his selection would lead to a unanimous vote he might accept There were indications that Mr Morarji Desai, Finance Minister in the Government of Jawaharlal Nehru, might make a strong bid for the leadership. Speculation also centred on the chances of Defence Minister Yashwantaroa Chavan, and Mrs Indira Gandhi, sister of the late Mr Nehru. Some party members felt that Mr Gulzarilal Nanda. caretaker Prime Minister since Mr Shastri’s sudden death last Tuesday, should be 1 elected.