[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this two-page letter dated January 6, 1964, M. R. Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”) about preparations for the Bangalore Convention and an associated open-air meeting to be presided over by Maharani Gayatri Devi. Masani expresses confidence that the Bangalore organisers will manage the convention successfully, while noting Rajagopalachari’s recent illness and recovery.

The main political issue is pressure from Andhra party members, particularly Latchanna, to begin satyagraha against the 17th Amendment and over other agricultural grievances. Masani rejects immediate action, arguing that he lacks authority to reverse the Congress of Committee’s earlier decision, that the party’s governing bodies will soon review the matter, and that a month’s delay could be used to build public awareness. He asks Rajagopalachari whether individual members might undertake satyagraha without placing the party itself in breach of the law, and seeks his advice on an issue that is also agitating party members in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The letter refers to an attached circular, but that enclosure is not included in the rendered pages.

Key points

• Masani reports on arrangements for the Bangalore Convention, the COC and GC meetings, and an open-air public meeting.
• Maharani Gayatri Devi has agreed to travel to Bangalore and preside over the public meeting.
• Masani believes the Bangalore organisers will conduct the convention successfully.
• Andhra party members are pressing for permission to begin satyagraha against the 17th Amendment and over local agricultural grievances.
• Masani argues that he lacks authority to overturn the prior decision against direct action.
• He proposes waiting for the forthcoming meetings of the COC, GC, and National Convention before revisiting the issue.
• Masani suggests that the intervening month could be used to arouse public consciousness about the disputed issues.
• He asks whether individual members can undertake satyagraha while keeping the party itself within the law.