Letter to Mr Minoo Masani

Summary

In this 23 June 1962 letter, P.K. Deo writes to Minoo Masani seeking guidance on a proposed realignment of opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha. Deo reports that the Jan Sangh leader, Swatantra Party MPs, Independents, Ganatantra Parishad members, and three Akalis had discussed forming a group of more than 50 MPs that could be recognised as the official Opposition and displace the Communist Party from the front benches. The proposed name was the National Democratic Party, recalling an earlier party formed under Dr Syama Prasad Mukerjee. The letter presents the initiative as deliberately flexible and programme-light. Deo says the group should begin with a minimum programme rather than impose rigidity, argues that it could have a “tremendous impact” in the country, and asks Masani for his considered views before proceeding. He also records S. Hukam Singh’s apparent willingness to recognise the new party and transfer a nominal Rs. 100 balance from the former National Democratic Party.

Key points

• Deo describes discussions after the first Lok Sabha session about forming a larger parliamentary opposition group. The proposed grouping would bring together Jan Sangh members, Swatantra Party MPs, Independents, Ganatantra Parishad MPs, and three Akalis. The intended threshold was more than 50 MPs, sufficient to seek recognition as the official Opposition. The proposed name was the National Democratic Party, associated with an earlier party led by Dr Syama Prasad Mukerjee. Deo reports that S. Hukam Singh appeared sympathetic to the proposal and offered to transfer the former party’s Rs. 100 balance. The proposed organisation would begin with a minimum programme and avoid excessive rigidity.
• Deo asks Minoo Masani for advice before the political initiative advances.