[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This personal letter, dated 17 May 1972 and written by N. C. Zamindar from Indore to Minoo Masani, discusses a possible realignment within Indian liberal politics. Zamindar reports that Acharya Ranga has resigned from the Swatantra Party and now approves of Indira Gandhi’s policies. He asks Masani to clarify a rumour that Masani is also considering joining Congress (R), saying that such information would lead him to reconsider his own political position.

Zamindar concludes by arguing that the Swatantra Party would be better off dissolving itself than being absorbed into Congress, which he describes as a shocking political manoeuvre. The document is marked “Personal” and contains a handwritten signature above the typed name of the sender.

Key points

• The letter is dated 17 May 1972 and was sent from Indore to Minoo Masani in Bombay.
• Zamindar says Acharya Ranga has resigned from the Swatantra Party.
• According to Zamindar, Acharya Ranga approves of Indira Gandhi’s policies.
• Zamindar asks whether Masani is considering joining Congress (R).
• Zamindar says Masani’s possible move would make him reconsider his own political position.
• The letter argues that the Swatantra Party should dissolve rather than be absorbed into Congress.