[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this letter dated 26 June 1970, Minoo Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”) about the proposed “Save India Front” associated with Kamaraj. Masani sees no conflict between that initiative and the appeal in Rajagopalachari’s longer draft for a comparable political front. He explains that, although he had wanted a shorter statement modelled on Rajagopalachari’s Emergency Programme, the other members of the drafting group insisted on a more detailed document, and he now considers it too late to reopen the issue with them.

Masani reports that developments in Delhi are taking shape and that the position should be clearer by the end of the weekend. He says Ranga had welcomed developments of this kind and that he intends to make this point in any public remarks he gives on Sunday or Monday. The letter also mentions Masani’s planned trip to Delhi for a Consultative Committee on External Affairs meeting and his participation in laying a wreath on the bier carrying the remains of the Maharaja of Jaipur, marked as coming from Rajaji, the President, and members of the Swatantra Party.

Key points

• Masani expresses agreement between Kamaraj’s proposed “Save India Front” and Rajagopalachari’s appeal for a similar political front.
• He explains that the drafting group produced a detailed document despite his preference for a shorter statement based on the Emergency Programme.
• He reports that political developments in Delhi are expected to become clearer over the weekend.
• He says Ranga had welcomed the emerging developments and that he may refer publicly to this support.
• He plans to attend a Consultative Committee on External Affairs meeting in Delhi.
• He describes arrangements for a wreath from Rajagopalachari, the President, and Swatantra Party members at the funeral of the Maharaja of Jaipur.