[Letter to Harihar patel 22-06-193]

Summary

This one-page letter, dated June 22, 1973, is S. V. Raju’s reply to Harihar Patel concerning the Pragati Party meeting and Patel’s postscript. Raju signals that he understands a political development underway and says he is uneasy about events in Bhubaneswar, while noting that Patel must have read about Dr. Hande’s surprise defection to the ADMK.

Raju says he cannot immediately travel to Bhubaneswar, but invites Patel to Bombay for a detailed discussion and offers to consider reimbursing Patel’s first-class rail fare if the visit can be presented as connected with Adult Education Institute work. The letter closes with Raju’s hope that Hande’s defection is an isolated instance.

Key points

• S. V. Raju acknowledges receipt of Harihar Patel’s June 12 letter and the Pragati Party meeting materials.
• Raju implies that he recognizes the political significance of the developments described.
• He expresses unease about events taking place in Bhubaneswar.
• Raju refers to Dr. Hande’s surprise defection to the ADMK.
• He proposes that Patel travel to Bombay for a detailed discussion.
• He may arrange reimbursement for Patel’s first-class rail fare if the trip is described as related to Adult Education Institute work.
• Raju hopes Hande’s defection is an isolated incident.