[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This 10 May 1962 letter from Narendrasingh Mahida to M. R. Masani concerns the Swatantra Party’s parliamentary work, forthcoming debates on the General Budget, and the coordination of party members in both Houses of Parliament. Mahida reports that Maharani Gayatri Devi and Sardar Buta Singh have addressed the House on the party’s behalf and proposes dates for a meeting of Lok Sabha members after Prof. Rangaji’s inability to attend Delhi meetings. He also notes an internal disagreement among Paharganj party workers and says it will be addressed when Masani visits Delhi.

The enclosed minutes document joint meetings of the Swatantra Party’s Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members on 2 and 3 May 1962. The meetings covered the General Budget, party organisation, the establishment of parliamentary-group office premises at 40 Canning Lane, regular meetings for members of both Houses, a session-end bulletin, member contributions and staffing costs, and the opening of a State Bank of India account. A Lok Sabha Consultative Committee was also formed to handle day-to-day affairs. The document is therefore both a piece of correspondence and a contemporaneous record of parliamentary-party administration.

Key points

• Mahida acknowledges Masani’s letter and a communication from A. C. Patel and Sons.
• The letter discusses Swatantra Party participation in the General Budget debate.
• Mahida proposes a meeting of Lok Sabha members after Prof. Rangaji cannot attend Delhi.
• The attached minutes record joint Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha meetings held on 2–3 May 1962.
• The parliamentary group planned regular House-wise meetings and established a Lok Sabha Consultative Committee.
• The minutes set out office arrangements, staffing costs, member contributions, and banking procedures.