[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this two-page letter dated June 12, 1974, Piloo Mody responds to Minoo Masani’s objections to forming a new political party. Mody distinguishes the proposed formation from earlier attempts: rather than seeking only “like-minded” partners, it would bring together all non-Congress, non-Communist, and non-Marxist parties. He acknowledges the unavoidable problem of internal heterogeneity but argues that the coalition could create public hope and credibility by uniting parties whose separate appeals are narrower than their combined appeal.

Mody addresses four practical objections: whether the new party would be sufficiently homogeneous, whether it would present a credible image, whether a coalition would dilute the individual appeal of its component parties, and whether forming it would obstruct a broader alliance later. He argues that a two-party system cannot accommodate all political viewpoints and that the proposed “combo” should be tested in practice. The letter closes by urging Masani to reconsider his views and join the effort. The document is copied to members of the General Council.

Key points

• Mody argues that the proposed party differs from previous efforts because it seeks to unite all non-Congress, non-Communist, and non-Marxist parties.
• He accepts that complete homogeneity is impossible in any party or alliance, but treats diversity as a problem that must be managed rather than a reason to abandon the project.
• He predicts that a united opposition could generate greater public hope and credibility than the participating parties could achieve separately.
• He argues that the coalition would have a broader appeal than the individual appeal of any one component party.
• He contends that a two-party system cannot accommodate all political viewpoints and that Indian politics requires another organisational option.
• He rejects proposals for a federal party or a merely common programme as likely to produce quarrels over seats and party-building rather than constructive work.
• He urges Masani to join the new party because political circumstances are moving quickly.