[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this letter dated 18 April 1968, Minoo Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”) about an appointment in Madras and proposes meeting twice on 23 April. Masani says he is pleased they will meet because Rajagopalachari’s understanding of the party’s situation differs from his own, partly because Rajagopalachari has not attended recent meetings of the National Executive and General Council.

Masani defends his efforts to prevent further disruption within the party, particularly amid developments in Gujarat and elsewhere. He distinguishes freedom from what he calls indiscipline and skulduggery, and criticises the recent meeting of the National Executive in Delhi for capitulating to the rebels. He closes by postponing a fuller discussion until their meeting.

Key points

• Masani confirms arrangements to meet Rajagopalachari in Madras on 23 April 1968.
• He proposes two conversations so that they can cover substantial ground without tiring Rajagopalachari.
• Masani attributes their differing understandings of the party crisis partly to Rajagopalachari’s absence from recent organisational meetings.
• He says he is trying to save the party from a disruption already extensive in Gujarat and elsewhere.
• He rejects the idea that enforcing party discipline is an attack on freedom.
• He condemns the Delhi meeting of the National Executive for capitulating to the rebels.