[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This two-page letter, dated 17 May 1972 and sent from Bombay by R. N. Rustomji to Minoo R. Masani, urges Masani to re-enter public political activity after resigning as leader of the Swatantra Party. Rustomji contrasts Indira Gandhi’s electoral strength and invitation to communists with what he describes as the government’s propaganda, political vituperation, and the country’s worsening chaos and lawlessness.

The letter highlights unbridled inflation, increasing poverty, and the weakening of the middle class. It also criticizes restrictions affecting businessmen from Rajasthan, alleging that they seek control of a substantial share of the country’s wealth and major industries. Rustomji asks about Masani’s current activities and office, argues that the country must be rescued from “chaos and lawlessness,” and invites him to meet so that further political deterioration can be prevented.

Key points

• Rustomji addresses Masani after his resignation as leader of the Swatantra Party.
• The letter comments on Indira Gandhi’s electoral victories and her invitation to communists to join her party and ministry.
• It condemns political rhetoric surrounding the Garibi Hatao programme and alleges a broader breakdown of order and legality.
• It identifies unbridled inflation, worsening poverty, and the decline of the middle class as urgent problems.
• It criticizes restrictions imposed on a group of Rajasthan businessmen involved in lending and textile-goods trading.
• It asks Masani about his present activities and urges him to help save the country from chaos and lawlessness.
• Rustomji proposes a meeting to discuss preventing further deterioration under what he calls leftist politicians.