[Letter from SV Raju]

Summary

This two-page letter from S. V. Raju to V. S. Srikumar, dated 28 December 1976, discusses internal Swatantra Party strategy and political organisation. Raju says he has reconsidered his opposition to “Chanakyan,” a project associated with Mr. Ramas…? [name unclear in the scan], because its author is attempting to survive within the constraints of the prevailing situation. He also comments on Piloo Mody’s efforts to create opposition unity and on planned district-level conferences in Tamil Nadu.

Key points

• Raju acknowledges delayed replies to Srikumar’s letters of 22 November and 4 and 15 December.
• He says the Swatantra Party should ultimately be grateful to its critics rather than its supporters for reviving it.
• He has reversed his earlier opposition to the “Chanakyan” project, judging that it reflects an attempt to work within the limits imposed by the prevailing situation.
• He doubts that a leaflet on the implications of the Constitution Amendment Bill would serve much purpose, since the Bill’s implications have already become clear and there is unusual unanimity about its real purpose.
• He declines to meet the Tax Recovery Officer, citing the risk of creating a record that could cause nuisance for the party.
• He reports on Piloo Mody’s contacts with Mr. Masani and on plans for district-level conferences in Tamil Nadu, beginning at Madurai on 9 January 1977.