[Letter to SV Raju]

Summary

This two-page letter, dated 9 July 1974, records V. S. Srikumar’s response to the Maharashtra unit’s decision to continue functioning as a Swatantra unit despite the party’s expected dissolution. Writing to S. V. Raju, Srikumar congratulates colleagues in Bombay and asks for the circular sent to General Council members, their addresses, and information about a Gujarat unit meeting held on 7 July.

The second page outlines Srikumar’s position on the Tamil Nadu Party meeting scheduled for 20–21 July at Vellore. He says he is canvassing support for a federal arrangement under which state units would retain their identity while working through a mutually agreed common programme. He rejects dissolution of the party “at this juncture” and says he will circulate the proposed resolution. The letter’s postscript reiterates his congratulations to Maharashtra and expresses hope that other states will follow its lead.

Key points

• Srikumar congratulates the Maharashtra unit for continuing as a Swatantra unit despite the expected dissolution of the party.
• He requests a copy of M. R. Masani’s circular to General Council members.
• He asks for a complete, addressed list of General Council members so that he can circulate a reply to Piloo Mody.
• He requests information about the Gujarat unit meeting held on 7 July 1974.
• He says the Tamil Nadu Party will meet at Vellore on 20–21 July 1974.
• He advocates a federal arrangement of like-minded parties with a mutually agreed common programme.
• He opposes dissolving the party at this juncture and intends to send the Tamil Nadu resolution.