[Letter from Ratibhai Ukabhai Patel]

Summary

This three-page letter, dated 21 May 1968 and written by Ratibhai Ukabhai Patel as General Secretary of the Rajkot District Swatantra Party Committee, is addressed to H. M. Patel, president of the Gujarat Swatantra Party. It concerns party proceedings against Bhagwanjibhai Patel, whom the writer accuses of anti-party activity, opposition to official candidates, and conduct that contributed to organisational conflict in Rajkot and Junagadh. The writer objects that an investigation report has not been circulated to the executive committee, despite repeated requests, and argues that members must receive the report before discussing disciplinary action.

Key points

• The letter reports that a Gujarat Swatantra Party office-bearers meeting sought to prevent a split in the party organisation in Saurashtra while urging corrective action against Bhagwanjibhai Patel.
• Ratibhai Patel criticises the failure to provide members with the investigation committee’s report before an executive committee meeting scheduled for 27 May 1968.
• The writer rejects the argument that disciplinary action would cause the party to break apart, asserting that the party’s strength derives from honest and sincere workers.
• Bhagwanjibhai Patel is accused of working against the party’s official candidates in Rajkot district during the general elections and of creating disputes during organisational elections in Junagadh and Rajkot.
• The letter links the absence of earlier disciplinary action to later defiance of party directives during Rajya Sabha elections.
• Ratibhai Patel asks that the letter be circulated to all members of the executive committee and announces that he will reluctantly remain absent from the forthcoming state executive meeting.