[For Favour of Publication]

Summary

This two-page press note, issued by the Swatantra Party Parliamentary Office on April 11, 1969, reproduces a letter from Prof. N. G. Ranga to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi concerning the United Front government in West Bengal. Ranga accuses the Marxist-led ministry of repeatedly defying the Constitution, obstructing Central Government protection of its employees and property, and provoking confrontation with the Centre in ways that threaten India’s unity and integrity. He presents a reported government-backed bandh as an unprecedented inversion of governmental responsibility, arguing that the state should maintain normal services rather than organise their disruption.

The letter cites arrests at Durgapur Steel Works and the Cossipore Ordnance Factory, as well as disputes over Central Reserve Police deployment. It also refers to an attempted West Bengal “fraternal” delegation to East Pakistan despite strained relations with China. Ranga concludes that the United Front has exceeded reasonable limits and that the Central Government must give priority to enforcing the Constitution, protecting Central Government interests and personnel, and preserving law and order. The note ends with a publication instruction and the signature of A. P. Jain, Executive Secretary.

Key points

• The document reproduces a letter by Prof. N. G. Ranga to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi dated April 11, 1969.
• Ranga accuses West Bengal’s Marxist-led United Front government of unconstitutional and unlawful conduct.
• The reported state-supported bandh is presented as an unprecedented case of a government promoting a strike against normal public services.
• The letter cites arrests and labour-related incidents at Durgapur Steel Works and the Cossipore Ordnance Factory.
• Ranga argues that the Centre has a duty to protect Central Government property, employees and interests in every state.
• The letter calls for decisive Central Government action to enforce the Constitution and preserve law and order.