[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this letter dated November 1, 1967, M. R. Masani congratulates a newly elected member of the Swatantra Party’s General Council and explains his decision not to continue as the Party’s General Secretary. After seven years in the post, including two General Elections, Masani argues that the Party should undergo a change in leadership, drawing a parallel with the principle of “job rotation” in enlightened industrial management.

Key points

• Masani congratulates the recipient on election to the Swatantra Party’s General Council.
• He says that seven years as General Secretary and two General Elections make it time for a change.
• He invokes Rajaji’s argument that prolonged incumbency is unhealthy for the country and parliamentary democracy.
• He notes that N. Dandekar has acted as General Secretary during Masani’s six-month leave as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
• He recommends that the Party nominate Dandekar as General Secretary for the next two years.
• Masani stresses that the Party needs a broad cadre of devoted and disciplined workers, not only office-bearers.
• He offers to continue serving the Party in Parliament and through speaking and writing.