[Telegram to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This seven-page file contains related telegrams and confirmation copies from 9–13 March 1968 concerning a Rajya Sabha nomination dispute within the Swatantra Party. M. R. Masani argues that Professor B. R. Shenoy’s proposed candidacy would endanger Babubhai Vaidya’s prospects and asks S. V. Raju to urge Shenoy not to press his claim. A telegram from Shenoy indicates that he believed party sentiment was against Vaidya and sought guidance from Masani and N. Dandekar.

Key points

• The correspondence concerns a 1968 Swatantra Party Rajya Sabha election and competing nominations.
• Masani tells Shenoy that the party’s parliamentary subcommittee has reaffirmed Babubhai Vaidya as its candidate.
• Masani argues that any change in the nomination is impossible because it would violate the Gujarat Party’s pledged commitment.
• Masani asks Raju to provide Shenoy with the background and persuade him not to seek first-preference support.
• Shenoy’s position, as reported in the correspondence, is that party sentiment opposes Vaidya and that he needs advice before deciding how to proceed.
• The documents show political coordination through telegrams, telex messages, and postal confirmation copies.