[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this letter dated 20 January 1964, C. Rajagopalachari writes to Minoo Masani about a proposed membership scheme. He agrees with the reasoning behind the proposal but warns that a life-membership arrangement may fail and that forming a cadre on an annual contribution of Rs. 10 may prove difficult. He observes that the ruling party could easily sustain life membership and annual subscriptions because it offers power, whereas their organisation does not.

Rajagopalachari therefore urges moderation in the organisation’s demands, anticipating severe opposition and stormy discussions. He says he has drafted an alternative scheme and asks Masani to study it discreetly, specifically instructing him not to let the staff see it. The letter refers to an enclosure containing the proposed scheme, but that enclosure is not included in the scanned page.

Key points

• Rajagopalachari supports the thinking behind a new membership proposal but doubts that life membership will succeed.
• He questions whether an annual contribution of Rs. 10 can easily create a committed organisational cadre.
• He contrasts the organisation’s limited resources with the ruling party’s ability to attract members through access to power.
• He recommends adopting more moderate demands in anticipation of strong opposition.
• He expects the forthcoming discussions to be contentious.
• He encloses a draft alternative scheme and asks Masani to keep it from the staff.