[Letter from SV Raju]

Summary

In this letter dated December 8, 1976, S. V. Raju reports on discussions following a November meeting about the possible creation of a new party through the merger of existing parties. The proposed arrangement would require the Swatantra Party to dissolve so that its members could join the new organisation. Raju also addresses the special political circumstances of Tamil Nadu, suggesting that members of the Swatantra Party should be free to join a regional party if the TMC(O) adopted that role and did not endorse the proposed merger. Raju then proposes a Maharashtra-based platform, the Maharashtra Swatantra Sewa Sangh, to continue propagating Rajaji’s liberal ideals. The organisation would avoid party politics and focus on spreading liberal values and providing liberal political education. The letter notes Girish Munshi’s opposition to this Maharashtra proposal, while recording the support of Parmanand Kejriwal, K. H. Subramanian, the author, and Minoo Masani.

Key points

• Raju reports agreement that the Swatantra Party should dissolve if a new party emerged from a merger of existing parties. The letter distinguishes the political circumstances of Tamil Nadu from the broader merger proposal. Raju suggests that a Tamil Nadu regional party could be formed if the TMC(O) declined to join the proposed merger. The proposed Maharashtra Swatantra Sewa Sangh would promote Rajaji’s liberal ideals. The Maharashtra organisation would eschew party politics and concentrate on liberal values and political education.
• Raju records both support for and opposition to the Maharashtra proposal among named liberal figures.