Summary
This handwritten letter from C. Rajagopalachari to Minoo Masani, dated March 30, 1963, reflects on the continuing justification of emergency rule. Rajagopalachari says that Nani Palkhivala’s journal carries the same argument: an emergency should be maintained until India becomes sufficiently strong to withstand an unstable world, with taxation presented as a necessary measure. He rejects this reasoning as concealing a chauvinistic impulse and argues that the supposed need for emergency powers has been exaggerated.
Key points
- Rajagopalachari responds to arguments for continuing emergency powers in India.
- He refers to a March 31 issue of Palkhivala’s journal and says it advances the same case for retaining the emergency.
- The stated rationale is to make India strong enough to face an unstable world and to support taxation.
- Rajagopalachari identifies a chauvinistic impulse beneath this reasoning.
- He argues that the emergency has been treated as necessary for too long and that its justification has been overstated.
- He acknowledges a weakness in the opposition: awareness of the problem does not necessarily provide a practical remedy.
- He distinguishes between the quality and quantity of political opposition and calls for a breach in the prevailing political wall.
- He plans to attend a Trichy meeting on April 21, travelling by train and returning the same night.
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