[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This two-page letter, dated 20 May 1972, is signed by S. V. Chari, Secretary of the Thousand Lights Constituency and a committee member of the Madras District Swatantra Party. Addressed to Minoo Masani ahead of the Swatantra Party’s General Council meeting in Madras, it asks Masani to respond to criticisms of the party published in the Tamil journal Chanakyan.

Key points

• S. V. Chari reports that C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) asked him to bring Dr. V. Hande’s writings to Minoo Masani’s attention.
• The writings reportedly attack Swatantra Party positions on Privy Purse, land ceiling, and labour.
• Chari says members of the Madras District Swatantra Party are concerned that the writings portray the party as representing the interests of rich people.
• He asks Masani to review the full text of Hande’s writings, available from S. V. Raju, and offer clarifications.
• The letter argues that the party’s policies are intended to promote the welfare of the nation rather than serve only wealthy interests.
• Chari requests that Masani’s clarifications be published in Chanakyan.
• The closing refers to improvements for the poor and millions of unskilled labourers as changes Chari would welcome.