[Letter to Harihar patel]

Summary

In this letter dated June 22, 1973, S. V. Raju writes to Harihar Patel after reviewing the contents of a Pragati Party meeting and Patel’s postscript. Raju says he can “smell what is going on” and offers to consider visiting Bombay for a detailed discussion, potentially under the pretext of work for the Adult Education Institute, with reimbursement of Patel’s first-class rail fare to and from Bhubaneswar.

Raju expresses concern about developments within the Pragati Party, specifically referring to Dr. Hande’s “surprise defection” to the ADMK. He hopes this is an isolated instance, suggesting anxiety about the party’s internal stability and political direction. The letter is personal in tone but documents a moment of political consultation and apprehension in 1973.

Key points

• Raju acknowledges receiving Harihar Patel’s letter of June 12 and reviewing material from a Pragati Party meeting.
• He says there is no immediate possibility of his visiting Bhubaneswar.
• He offers to consider coming to Bombay for a detailed discussion, possibly in connection with Adult Education Institute work.
• He suggests that Patel’s first-class rail fare could be reimbursed.
• Raju expresses concern about Dr. Hande’s defection to the ADMK.
• He hopes the defection is an isolated occurrence rather than part of a wider political problem.