[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this letter dated July 29, 1964, M. R. Masani urges C. Rajagopalachari to support a meeting of the Parliamentary Board or Central Organising Committee before Parliament’s September 7 session. The proposed agenda is the food and price situation and the Swatantra Party’s line. Masani reports that Dayabhai Patel had suggested a no-confidence motion against the Government, but argues that the party should first explore cooperation with the Jan Sangh, the Praja Socialist Party, and other discontented groups. He warns that a premature no-confidence motion could produce a head-on collision among opposition parties and strengthen the Congress Government’s socialist tendencies.

Masani also calls for broader party discussion before Parliament meets, citing likely issues including Pakistan and Kashmir, the ceasefire in Nagaland, chauvinist criticism, and a proposed bill to prevent the Home Minister from introducing a particular measure. He recommends a Parliamentary Board meeting, proposing Delhi on September 6, with Madras on September 2 as an alternative, and asks Rajagopalachari to indicate whether he can travel and address members at Sapru Hall.

Key points

• Masani supports convening the Parliamentary Board or Central Organising Committee before Parliament’s September 7 session.
• He identifies food and prices as the immediate political issue and the Swatantra Party’s line as a central subject for discussion.
• He rejects, at this stage, a proposed no-confidence motion unless broader opposition cooperation can be secured.
• He cautions that opposition disunity could strengthen the Congress Government’s socialist tendencies.
• He proposes a Parliamentary Board meeting in Delhi on September 6, with Madras on September 2 as an alternative.
• He asks Rajagopalachari to consult party colleagues and possibly address members at Sapru Hall.
• Other anticipated issues include Pakistan and Kashmir, the Nagaland ceasefire, and proposed legislation involving the Home Minister.