[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This two-page typed copy of a letter dated 31 March 1968 is addressed to Minoo Masani and signed by Babubhai Vaidya from Rajkot. Vaidya describes opposition to his candidacy within the Swatantra Party, including a demand that he pay Rs. 3,000 to the party fund, allegations that he was propagating against the party, and claims that he was a Communist and had worked for the rival Congress candidate U. M. Mahida.

Key points

• Vaidya says Bhaikaka demanded Rs. 3,000 from him for the party fund and later appeared not to have forgiven him for failing to pay.
• He describes Dhrol Thakore Saheb, Natvarsinhji Solanki, and others as working against him during the election period.
• He denies allegations that he propagated against the Swatantra Party or assisted only Minoo Masani.
• He rejects a late allegation that he was a Communist and says he was not given a fair opportunity to answer it.
• He argues that party officials withheld the allegations and evidence against him, preventing him from clearing his name.
• He states that U. M. Mahida had filed his nomination before the Central Parliamentary Board’s decision and that no effective action was taken before election day.
• The letter frames the episode as an internal party dispute involving procedural unfairness, factional opposition, and election management.