[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this letter dated August 20, 1964, Dahyabhai V. Patel writes to M. R. Masani about opposition strategy for the opening of the Lok Sabha. Reporting a telephone conversation with Acharya Kripalani, Patel discusses whether opposition parties should support a no-confidence motion, submit their own motion, or first consult other independent leaders, including Shri Prakash Vir Shastri.

Patel argues that the defeat of a no-confidence motion would not necessarily amount to a vote of confidence in the government, noting that roughly fifty members might be prepared to support such a motion. He proposes that all opposition parties except the Communist Party should coordinate against government policies and recommends a preliminary consultation on September 5, while acknowledging a possible scheduling conflict with a Freedom Fighters’ anniversary engagement.

Key points

• The letter concerns opposition-party procedure when the Lok Sabha opens.
• Acharya Kripalani has discussed with Patel whether to support or introduce a no-confidence motion.
• Patel rejects the view that defeat of a no-confidence motion would necessarily constitute a vote of confidence.
• He suggests that approximately fifty members could support a no-confidence motion.
• He proposes coordinated opposition by all opposition parties except the Communist Party.
• He recommends a preliminary consultation on September 5.
• Patel asks Masani whether he can attend despite an engagement connected with a Freedom Fighters’ anniversary.