[Letter to Mr C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

This one-page letter, dated August 14, 1959, is addressed to C. Rajagopalachari (“Raja Ji”) and proposes a publicity pamphlet for the newly established Swatantra Party. The writer agrees that the party does not need a new journal devoted exclusively to its cause, but recommends an organised publicity campaign and identifies pamphleteering as an especially effective medium.

The proposed 24- or 32-page pamphlet would reproduce the party’s credo, selected recent articles by Rajagopalachari, a summary of the Bombay Convention, brief accounts of recent pronouncements by party figures, and favourable editorial commentary from leading newspapers. The writer estimates that at least 100,000 copies could be sold at four annas each, covering production costs while also serving an “educative” purpose. The letter closes by offering to prepare a complete dummy if Rajagopalachari approves the suggestion.

Key points

• The letter rejects the need for a new Swatantra Party journal devoted solely to party affairs.
• It recommends a coordinated publicity campaign conducted on behalf of the party.
• The proposed pamphlet would be approximately 24 or 32 pages and formatted like Swarajya.
• Suggested contents include the party’s credo, Rajagopalachari’s articles, a Bombay Convention summary, party pronouncements, and favourable newspaper editorials.
• The writer projects sales of at least 100,000 copies at four annas each.
• The pamphlet is presented as both a financially viable publicity tool and an instrument of political education.