[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this letter dated 6 April 1964, Minoo Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari (“Rajaji”) about the successful Bombay City Convention and a speech on Kashmir and Pakistan. He reports that the Convention was well received and encloses a newspaper clipping in case the speech was not covered by the Madras press.

Masani urges Rajagopalachari to write on Kashmir and India’s relations with Pakistan in Swarajya, arguing that the Swatantra Party should remain slightly ahead of public opinion. He proposes that early elections, accompanied by United Nations observers, might allow the question of a plebiscite to be bypassed, citing North Borneo and Malaysia as a precedent. He acknowledges opposition within the party from Gayatri Devi and Piloo Mody, but says that Rajagopalachari’s and his own position has support from the parliamentary group in Delhi and from Ranga.

Key points

• Masani reports that the Bombay City Convention and its associated public meeting went well.
• He highlights a speech concerning Kashmir and Pakistan and encourages Rajagopalachari to write on the subject in Swarajya.
• He argues that the Swatantra Party should stay “just one jump ahead of public opinion.”
• He suggests early elections with United Nations observers as a way to bypass a plebiscite over Kashmir’s accession.
• He cites North Borneo and Malaysia as an example relevant to this proposed approach.
• He notes disagreement within the party from Gayatri Devi and Piloo Mody, while claiming support from the parliamentary group in Delhi.