[Letter to J R D Tata]

Summary

This undated-title letter, dated 15 May 1961 and addressed to J. R. D. Tata, appeals for financial assistance to the Swatantra Party. The writer presents an effective opposition as essential to parliamentary democracy: it should operate in Parliament and legislatures as a check on the ruling Congress Party’s policies, programmes, and methods. The letter argues that other non-Congress parties have failed to perform this checking function and instead tend to push the ruling party further in the same direction.

Key points

• The writer identifies a strong opposition party as an essential requirement of parliamentary democracy.
• The Swatantra Party is presented as a countervailing force against the socialist ruling party.
• The letter contrasts the organizational and financial advantages enjoyed by the party in power with the handicaps faced by Swatantra.
• The writer asks industrial and commercial leaders to support opposition-party organization even if they also fund the ruling party.
• Swatantra is described as supporting public welfare while checking rash policies, mismanagement, waste, and unwise administration.
• The appeal links opposition politics to good government, national interests, and protection of constitutional fundamental rights.