[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This undated-authority letter, dated 20 November 1971 and addressed to Minoo Masani, discusses the possibility of forming a new national democratic opposition party. The writer reports that Masani had earlier suggested such a formation and says that others who have lost faith in democracy are also considering it. The letter criticizes the weakened public image of the Swatantra Party and argues that neither the Congress nor Congress-N offers a satisfactory democratic alternative, alleging that Indira Gandhi has influenced Congress-N’s organization and administration, at least in Rajasthan.

The writer nevertheless remains willing to support the Swatantra Party in the forthcoming election, citing prior work for Rajmata Gayatri Devi and the practical costs of contesting elections. They ask Masani for financial assistance, describing themselves as an independent candidate who intends to join the Swatantra Party after winning. The closing apologizes for errors arising from the writer’s education in a Hindi-medium setting. The author’s handwritten signature is not securely legible.

Key points

• The writer supports the idea of forming a new national democratic party.
• They say that many people have lost faith in democracy and are considering a new political formation.
• The letter argues that the Swatantra Party has lost its public image and that no other democratic national party currently exists.
• Congress-N is criticized for alleged influence by Indira Gandhi over its organization and administration in Rajasthan.
• The writer intends to contest the next election as an independent candidate and later join the Swatantra Party if successful.
• The writer requests financial support, emphasizing the rising cost of elections.
• The letter refers to earlier electoral work for Rajmata Gayatri Devi.