[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this letter dated 29 March 1968, M. R. Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”) after the Swatantra Party’s setback in Gujarat. He explains that he has resigned from the Party’s National Executive and Central Parliamentary Board, believing that Bhailalbhai and he should accept responsibility by relinquishing their offices and remaining at the Centre. Masani presents the resignation as a spontaneous and principled response rather than a belated or calculated reaction.

Masani also argues that continuing the familiar dispute with the Party President and others over clean methods and sustained discipline has produced no conspicuous success over several years. He asks Rajagopalachari for his comments, refers to his prior communication with Bhandare, and says he hopes to visit Madras toward the end of April to discuss the Party’s condition. The letter is a concise intervention on responsibility, party discipline, and the perceived deterioration of political life.

Key points

• Masani reports his resignation from the Swatantra Party’s National Executive and Central Parliamentary Board after the Gujarat electoral setback.
• He says the resignation was intended to retain spontaneity and value rather than appear as a cold-blooded response to events.
• He frames the action as accepting responsibility alongside Bhailalbhai and keeping faith with pledges previously made.
• He contrasts resignation with continuing an argument over clean methods and sustained discipline that had yielded no conspicuous success.
• He had informed Bhandare of his intention and received no objection.
• He asks Rajagopalachari for an early response and proposes meeting in Madras at the end of April.
• He describes political life as rapidly descending into a spiral, with demoralisation in one party producing similar effects elsewhere.