[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this letter dated February 21, 1964, M. R. Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari about the possible nomination of Shanti Prasad Jain as the Swatantra Party’s candidate for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha election from Ramgarh. Masani argues that Jain’s business reputation would damage the Party and warns that N. Dandekar may resign if Jain is elected without the Party’s support. He asks Rajagopalachari to authorize a telegram to Ramgarh conveying the view shared by Ranga, Munshi, and Masani.

Key points

• Masani reports that Shanti Prasad Jain is likely to be nominated as the Party’s candidate for election to the Rajya Sabha from Ramgarh.
• He considers Jain’s reputation in business circles exceptionally damaging to the Party.
• Masani predicts that Jain’s election with Party votes would have disastrous consequences.
• N. Dandekar is described as unwilling to remain a Party member if Jain is elected without Party support.
• Masani invokes the earlier resignation of Shriyans Prasad Jain’s brother from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry as a warning about reputational consequences.
• The letter requests Rajagopalachari’s agreement to a telegram to Ramgarh.