[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this two-page letter dated June 4, 1964, M. R. Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”) about press reports concerning their political efforts. Masani says he learned of the story only from newspapers, dismisses the report as fabricated, and notes that he and Rajagopalachari’s associates had met the President to urge him to withhold assent to the 17th Amendment. He proposes preparing a memorandum setting out the principal grounds for their appeal.

Masani then considers how the memorandum should be presented and signed. He suggests that Rajagopalachari’s personal involvement would increase its impact, even proposing that Rajagopalachari travel to Delhi to meet the President and the Prime Minister. The letter closes with practical arrangements for the journey and a request for Rajagopalachari’s view. The scanned pages also contain handwritten annotations and Masani’s signature.

Key points

• Masani responds to Rajagopalachari’s letters of May 25 and June 1.
• He denies prior knowledge of a report published by the Madras Mail and criticizes the press for inventing news.
• Masani describes a meeting with the President concerning assent to the 17th Amendment.
• He proposes drafting a memorandum stating the main grounds for withholding assent.
• He debates whether the memorandum should carry the signatures of parliamentary party leaders and deputy leaders.
• He argues that Rajagopalachari’s personal delivery of the appeal, possibly through a visit to Delhi, could strengthen its effect.
• The letter includes proposed travel arrangements between Madras, Delhi, and Bombay.