[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

In this personal and confidential letter dated April 6, 1968, S. V. Raju writes to Minoo Masani after returning from Junagadh and Rajkot. Raju says the legal case there appears likely to be dismissed and addresses Masani’s planned attendance at National Executive and Central Parliamentary Board meetings. He disagrees with Masani’s decision not to attend, arguing that Masani’s presence is important while his resignation is being discussed and warning that his absence could allow responsibility for the party’s actions to be shifted onto him.

Key points

• Raju reports that the case connected with Junagadh and Rajkot appears likely to be dismissed.
• He urges Masani to attend the National Executive and Central Parliamentary Board meetings on April 13 and 14.
• Raju argues that Masani’s absence during discussion of his resignation could weaken his position and permit others to shift responsibility onto him.
• He says conversations with Babubhai Vaidya and Babubhai Shah indicated support for Masani’s action but opposition to further disciplinary escalation or a party split.
• The letter names several people involved in the dispute over the nomination of Mahida’s candidate and records Raju’s frustration with the party’s declining job satisfaction and internal conditions.
• Raju plans to travel to Delhi and meet Masani to discuss these matters in detail.