[Letter to C Rajagopalachari]

Summary

In this letter dated June 17, 1963, M. R. Masani writes to C. Rajagopalachari about Acharya Kripalani’s decision to proceed with a minimum programme despite widespread warnings. Masani says he has reiterated his position to Kripalani in a further letter, with a copy attached.

Masani reports a discussion with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, who believes that agreement on a minimum programme is impossible but urges cooperation and the avoidance of unnecessary clashes. Lohia supports moving a no-confidence motion against the Congress Government at the opening of the parliamentary session on August 13. Masani says Lohia has proposed a one-line motion giving no reasons for lack of confidence, while maintaining that the decision must be taken by the Central Executive Committee or Parliamentary Board of the Socialist Party.

Key points

• Masani has received a telegram from Rajagopalachari concerning Kripalani’s minimum programme.
• Masani says he has written again to Kripalani, reiterating his position and enclosing a copy.
• Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia argues that no minimum programme can be agreed upon.
• Lohia nevertheless advocates cooperation and avoiding clashes among the political actors involved.
• Lohia is keen to support a no-confidence motion against the Congress Government at the opening of the August 13 session.
• The proposed motion would be a single line, without reasons for the lack of confidence.
• Masani says the decision belongs to the Socialist Party’s Central Executive Committee or Parliamentary Board.