[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This single-page letter, dated March 20, 1967, is written by D. K. Kunte to Minoo Masani, the Leader of the Swatantra Party. Kunte explains that the whole Opposition has decided to propose him as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and that he initially consented on the understanding that the office would not prevent him from participating in House proceedings as an ordinary member or from continuing his political activities outside Parliament.

Kunte writes that further examination of parliamentary proceedings has raised doubts about whether those assumptions are correct. He asks Masani to clarify the position before his name is formally proposed, stressing that he does not want to sacrifice his freedom to pursue political work outside the House or to participate in its proceedings.

Key points

• The Opposition intends to propose D. K. Kunte as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
• Kunte initially consented on the assumption that the office would preserve his ability to participate in parliamentary proceedings.
• He also assumed that a Deputy Speaker could continue political activities outside Parliament.
• He cites inquiries among people familiar with parliamentary practice and refers to a 1953 House of the People proceedings volume.
• Kunte asks Minoo Masani to clarify the position before his nomination proceeds.
• The letter frames the issue as one of preserving political and parliamentary freedom while holding office.