[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this two-page handwritten letter dated 19 April 1964, C. Rajagopalachari writes to Minoo Masani about his recovery from a serious illness and his distress over a recent electoral defeat at Amritsar. He says the campaign had initially been leading, but that the result changed rapidly after voting, producing what he describes as a reversal into a minority. He attributes part of the outcome to appeals based on caste and regionalism and questions whether the time, energy, and money spent were justified.

Key points

• Rajagopalachari reports that he is recovering from a severe infection but remains irritable and weakened.
• He expresses deep disappointment over an electoral defeat at Amritsar.
• He says the campaign was initially leading before the voting position quickly reversed.
• He describes caste and regional appeals as influencing or complicating the election.
• He questions whether continuing to spend time, energy, and money in this way is worthwhile.
• He closes by identifying Masani’s performance in Parliament as his main source of pleasure.