[Letter to Mr C Rajagopalchari]

Summary

In this confidential letter dated November 2, 1967, M. R. Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari about the forthcoming Swatantra Party General Council meeting in Delhi. Masani says he is seeking colleagues’ acceptance of his decision to withdraw from the General Secretaryship, partly to prevent an embarrassing demonstration or pressure at the meeting.

Masani also responds to Rajagopalachari’s October 30 letter and its enclosure to Dandekar. He argues that, if Rajagopalachari and Munshi agree, the best course is to abandon any proposed change in the party presidency and allow Ranga to continue. Masani explains that he would be unable to resist colleagues who proposed him for president if Ranga withdrew, because his non-election could be misunderstood; allowing Ranga to continue, he concludes, would preserve continuity and avoid developments injurious to the party.

Key points

• Masani hopes Rajagopalachari will be well enough to attend the Swatantra Party General Council meeting in Delhi on November 25 and 26.
• He is circulating a letter to General Council colleagues seeking acceptance of his withdrawal from the General Secretaryship.
• Masani wants to avoid an embarrassing demonstration or pressure concerning his resignation at the General Council meeting.
• He advises against changing the Swatantra Party presidency if Rajagopalachari and Munshi share that view.
• Masani says Ranga’s continuation would provide continuity and avoid a potentially damaging party dispute.
• He acknowledges that, if Ranga withdrew, colleagues might propose Masani for president and that declining could be misunderstood.