[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

This letter, dated 10 November 1966 and signed by four representatives of the Jai Hind Light-Progress Party, urges C. Rajagopalachari to reconsider Minoo Masani’s decision to stand down from party work during the forthcoming general election. The writers argue that Masani, having secured support from several parties and individuals in Rajkot and served his constituency well, is the natural opposition candidate there. The signatories acknowledge that Masani should not be permanently tied to one constituency and express respect for Dahyabhai V. Patel, but warn that changing a candidate who has faithfully built the constituency has frustrated the electorate. They offer to conduct the election campaign during Masani’s absence and claim that, with even a short period of campaigning, they can defeat the Congress candidate. Only this single-page letter was rendered; no additional correspondence or surrounding political context was available.

Key points

• The Jai Hind Light-Progress-Party writes to C. Rajagopalachari about the Rajkot constituency. The writers say Minoo Masani had won support from multiple parties and individuals in a by-election. They regard Masani as the natural opposition candidate for the coming general election because of his constituency work. They are disappointed that Masani is standing down in order to undertake party work elsewhere. They distinguish their support for Masani from opposition to Dahyabhai V. Patel personally.
• They offer to manage the election campaign during Masani’s absence and seek Rajagopalachari’s favourable reply.