[Letter to Harihar Patel]

Summary

In this brief typewritten letter of 9 October 1979 to Advocate Harihar Patel of Bhubaneshwar, Minoo Masani clears up what he sees as an ambiguity in Patel’s correspondence: he is not, in fact, prepared to stand as a Janata Party candidate. Masani writes that ‘there is nothing whatsoever to choose between the three protagonists for power’ and refers Patel to his own letter in the Indian Express of 10 August, which spells out his position. For someone taking his stance, he insists, the only way to stand is as an Independent.

Masani notes that although Vajpai’s press statement had raised that possibility, a Secretary of the Janata Party has since repudiated the offer and insisted that candidates accept party discipline — an outcome Masani says he had anticipated, but which has hurt ‘an eminent and distinguished friend of ours.’ He asks Patel to ‘drop the matter,’ assures him he is not annoyed but touched by the concern of his Bhubaneshwar friends, and closes by inviting Patel to enlighten him about the political position in Orissa.

Key points

• Masani writes to Advocate Harihar Patel to correct an assumption that he would contest as a Janata Party candidate.
• He says there is nothing to choose among the three main contenders for power, and encloses his 10 August Indian Express letter setting out this stance.
• For someone in his position, the only route to a candidacy is as an Independent, not under a party banner.
• Vajpai’s press statement had floated the possibility of accommodating such candidates, but a Janata Party Secretary repudiated the offer and demanded party discipline.
• Masani says he had anticipated this and shown no personal interest in standing, but notes that an eminent friend has been caught by the same refusal.
• He asks Patel to drop the matter and expresses gratitude, not annoyance, for the interest shown by friends in Bhubaneshwar.
• He closes by asking Patel to brief him on the political situation in Orissa.