[Complments of N Dandekar]

Summary

This two-page archival record preserves four telex messages exchanged between N. Dandekar and C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) on 4–5 April 1968. The messages concern Minoo Masani’s possible resignation, a proposed public appeal during the mid-term election in Haryana, and the prospects of the Swatantra Party. Dandekar urges Rajaji to reconsider issuing a message praising Haryana’s voters and urging support for Swatantra; Rajaji initially declines, citing Masani’s resignation and reports received through Escorts, before Dandekar presses him to remain hopeful and act jointly.

The final message records Rajaji’s suggested wording: best wishes to the fighters for the most sensible and best political party in India to educate Haryana. The document therefore offers a compact, tactical glimpse of internal political communication around Swatantra’s 1968 Haryana campaign, including tensions over leadership, public messaging, and party morale. The rendered pages contain the complete record of the four numbered telexes, preceded by a compliments card for Dandekar.

Key points

• Dandekar reports that Minoo Masani was adamant about resigning despite efforts to dissuade him.
• Dandekar asks Rajaji to reconsider issuing a public message for the critical mid-term election in Haryana.
• The proposed message praises Haryana’s people and urges them to vote for the Swatantra Party on 12 May 1968.
• Rajaji declines to issue a statement immediately because of Masani’s resignation and reports received through Escorts.
• Dandekar urges Rajaji not to become despondent and proposes a joint effort to mount a successful political operation.
• Rajaji’s final proposed message describes Swatantra as India’s most sensible and best political party and assigns it an educational role in Haryana.