[Letter from Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this letter dated 13 May 1968, M. R. Masani writes to Ajit Bhattacharya, editor of the Hindustan Times, about the publication of an approximately 1,250-word article. Because elections in Haryana are scheduled for 12 and 14 May, Masani asks that the article not appear until after polling, arguing that his public remarks before then could create adverse impressions about the party’s candidates.

Masani requests publication in the Hindustan Times from 16 May onward and notes that a copy has also been sent to S. Mulgaokar. He further asks Bhattacharya to reconsider editorial comments in the 2 May issue describing his negotiations as “academic,” suggesting that these comments could be revised. The single rendered page contains the letter, its handwritten signature, and carbon-copy distribution details; no article text is included.

Key points

• Masani’s letter is dated 13 May 1968 and is addressed to Ajit Bhattacharya of the Hindustan Times.
• He refers to a short article of approximately 1,250 words that he had promised to send.
• He asks that the article be published only after the Haryana elections held on 12 and 14 May.
• The requested delay is intended to avoid adverse public impressions about the party’s candidates before polling concludes.
• Masani requests publication in the Hindustan Times from 16 May onward.
• He asks the editor to reconsider describing his negotiations as “academic” in the 2 May issue.
• The article itself is not present on the rendered page.