PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED, SAYS ‘C.R.’

Summary

This short Statesman report, datelined Madras, records C. Rajagopalachari’s confidence that the political problem created by efforts to form a national front of democratic parties excluding the Swatantra Party would soon be resolved. Rajagopalachari described M. R. Masani’s decision not to sign a joint declaration after talks with Congress (O), Jana Sangh, and the SSP as “natural.”

Rajagopalachari said the matter would be settled at the forthcoming meeting of the Swatantra Party’s national executive in Madras. He anticipated a combined opposition to Indira Gandhi and her allies, bringing together all democratic parties. The clipping ends before the full report is visible.

Key points

• The report describes C. Rajagopalachari’s response to plans for a national front of democratic parties excluding the Swatantra Party.
• Rajagopalachari expressed confidence that the dispute would soon be resolved.
• M. R. Masani had withdrawn from talks with Congress (O), Jana Sangh, and the SSP in New Delhi.
• Rajagopalachari regarded Masani’s failure to sign the joint declaration as “natural.”
• The Swatantra Party’s national executive was expected to address the matter at a forthcoming meeting in Madras.
• Rajagopalachari predicted a combined opposition to Indira Gandhi and her allies.